Gemini on Wear OS & AI Updates to Circle to Search - Google News

Gemini Arrives on Wear OS and Enhanced Circle to Search

Google revealed on Wednesday the rollout of Gemini to Wear OS powered smartwatches. This update follows an initial announcement made in May. Simultaneously, the company is expanding the functionality of Circle to Search with new AI-driven capabilities.

The integration of Gemini will be available in the coming weeks for watches from manufacturers including Pixel, Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. These devices must be running Wear OS 4 or a later version. This launch is a key component of Google’s broader strategy to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across its entire ecosystem of devices and platforms.

Activating Gemini on Your Watch

Users can initiate interactions with Gemini through several methods. Simply saying “Hey, Google” will activate the assistant. Alternatively, a long press of the side button or a tap on the Gemini application icon on the watch face will also launch the service.

Gemini is designed to handle practical, real-time queries. For instance, users can ask, “What temperature and duration are recommended for roasting sliced vegetables?” while actively cooking. Or, a quick question like, “Is rain expected today?” can be posed while preparing to leave the house.

Multi-App Task Completion

Gemini’s capabilities extend beyond simple questions. It can also facilitate tasks across multiple applications. Users can request Gemini to “Provide a summary of my most recent email from Emily” or “Schedule my son’s next five baseball games in my calendar.”

The AI assistant also supports memory functions. Users can instruct Gemini to “Remember that I parked on level 4, space 27” or “Remind me to purchase groceries after work.”

Circle to Search Receives AI Mode Integration

Google is enhancing Circle to Search, launched last year, to provide more comprehensive information access. This feature allows users to initiate a Google search by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on elements displayed on their screen.

The addition of AI Mode enables users to delve into complex subjects and pose follow-up questions, all without navigating away from their current application. This streamlines the information-gathering process.

Following a Circle to Search query, an AI Overview will be presented within the search results. Users can then scroll to the bottom and select “Dive deeper with AI Mode” to continue exploring the topic and ask further questions related to the visual search.

Expanded AI Mode Availability

AI Mode is now also accessible through Google Lens and the Google app on both Android and iOS devices. Currently, this functionality is available in the United States and India.

Gaming Integration and Improved AI Overviews

Circle to Search now extends its utility to mobile gaming. Players can utilize the feature to identify characters or discover effective game strategies.

Google is also refining AI Overviews to improve readability and formatting. Responses are now structured more effectively and incorporate additional visual elements for enhanced clarity.

Google AI Pro Benefit for Pixel 9 Pro Owners

Owners of the Pixel 9 Pro will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Google AI Pro. This subscription provides access to advanced features, including Veo 3, which allows users to generate short videos with natural audio based on textual descriptions.