Google has started the extensive rollout of its Gemini feature within Google Messages, as reported by 9To5Google. This AI assistant, which was announced at I/O 2024, is now available to stable users. Gemini positions itself as the initial contact when initiating a new chat.
Upon accepting the terms and conditions, users are greeted with a standard messaging interface that includes emoji and gallery options. While image uploads are supported, audio notes are not. Gemini is designed to assist users in composing messages, generating ideas, planning events, or engaging in casual conversations. The responses generated by Gemini are optimized for brevity. Unlike the Google Assistant on Google Allo, Gemini is strictly for one-on-one interactions and cannot participate in group chats.
Gemini supports various extensions such as Workspace (@Gmail, etc.), @YouTube, and @GoogleMaps, but notably excludes the YouTube Music extension. Users have the option to provide feedback on responses by long-pressing to leave a thumbs up or down, as well as the ability to star or forward messages. Conversations with Gemini take place over RCS, which must be enabled, but they are not end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, Gemini is not accessible through the web version of Google Messages or the Wear OS app.
This global release of Gemini excludes the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, Switzerland, and India, but it does offer support for English and French in Canada. Beta users have had access to Gemini since March.
In other news, Dixon Technologies has begun trial production of Google’s flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8, indicating a significant shift in manufacturing to India. This move underscores Google’s commitment to local production of its high-end devices. Originally scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, the local manufacturing of the Pixel 8 series appears to be ahead of schedule. Sources from the Economic Times report that testing has commenced, with the first assembly taking place in India. The Pixel 8 units are expected to hit the market in September.
In summary, Google has introduced its Gemini feature in Google Messages, offering users an innovative AI assistant for one-on-one interactions. This feature is designed to help users compose messages, generate ideas, and engage in conversational fun. Despite the exclusion of certain regions, the global rollout of Gemini has been well received by users. Additionally, Dixon Technologies’ trial production of the Pixel 8 in India signals a strategic shift towards local manufacturing of Google’s flagship smartphones. This move underscores Google’s emphasis on producing high-end devices locally and aligns with its commitment to the Indian market.
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