Your Wear OS watch just got a major Gemini AI upgrade
Google has initiated the rollout of Gemini to Wear OS watches, a move teased in May. This deployment, occurring nearly two months after the initial announcement, is part of Google’s strategy to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across its device ecosystem. Gemini is becoming available on watches from Pixel, Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi that operate on Wear OS 4+ within the coming weeks.
Interaction with Gemini on Wear OS watches can be initiated through several methods: by uttering the phrase, “Hey, Google,” by pressing and holding the side button on the watch, or by tapping the Gemini application icon displayed on the watch screen. This integration enables users to pose various queries. For instance, a user engaged in cooking might ask, “For how long should I roast sliced vegetables, and at what temperature?” Similarly, before exiting their residence, a user could inquire, “Do I need an umbrella today?”
Gemini also facilitates task completion across multiple applications. Users can direct Gemini to “Summarize my last email from Emily” or to “Add my son’s next five baseball games to my calendar.” Furthermore, Google states that Gemini can be used to store important details, such as “Remember I parked on level 4, spot 27” or “Remind me to go grocery shopping after work.”
Video: Google
Regarding Circle to Search, launched last year for initiating searches by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on screen content, Google is enhancing its capabilities. Users can now employ AI Mode’s advanced reasoning to explore complex subjects and ask subsequent questions without exiting the current application. Following a Circle to Search query, an AI Overview appears in the results. Users can then scroll to the bottom and select “Dive deeper with AI Mode” to pursue follow-up questions and gain additional insights into the visual search.
Google is also integrating AI Mode into Google Lens, making it accessible via the Google app on both Android and iOS devices. This functionality is currently available in the U.S. and India. Additionally, Circle to Search now supports gaming-related queries on mobile platforms. For example, users can utilize Circle to Search to identify a new character or to discover a winning strategy while playing a game.
Google has also improved AI Overviews, stating that responses are now better formatted and more legible. These AI Overviews can now segment key information and incorporate an increased number of visuals. Finally, Google announced that owners of the Pixel 9 Pro will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Google AI Pro. This subscription includes access to Veo 3, a feature that enables users to generate short videos with natural audio by describing an idea.