On Wednesday, Google officially announced the rollout of Gemini to Wear OS through a Play Store update, marking a significant upgrade for smartwatch users. This innovative replacement for the Google Assistant is now live for select users, signifying a new chapter in wearable technology.
The existing “Assistant” app has been rebranded to “Google Gemini on Wear OS.” The updated Play Store listing, featuring the new app icon, screenshots, and comprehensive descriptions, became available to all users on Wednesday afternoon. Notably, the current stable version of the app, which was released in June, is 1.21.49.763997078.
As of yesterday, Google initiated the rollout of an updated build, version 1.21.x, which is only a few kilobytes in size and still contains the Google Assistant. However, some users have begun receiving version 1.22.5.780344288, which enables the new Gemini experience. It’s important to note that this rollout is currently limited.
Full availability of Google Gemini on Wear OS is anticipated in the coming weeks, specifically for devices running Wear OS 4 and higher. Compatible devices include the Pixel Watch, Samsung smartwatches, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi wearables. The new version showcases a vibrant four-color logo, with current Play Store screenshots humorously displaying a pointy blue-purple variant.
The update introduces improved complications and a new Tile function, allowing users to easily save and initiate “actions.” Interestingly, while marketing materials refer to the service as “Ask Google Gemini,” the actual user interface prompts users with “Ask Gemini.” This subtle change reflects an effort to create a more streamlined and recognizable user experience.
Google has also released a support article for the Pixel Watch, highlighting the functionalities that Gemini offers, which are similar to those of the former Google Assistant. Users can:
Control their exercise: Start, pause, resume, or end an activity with voice commands. For instance, saying “start my run” will initiate a running session. Get live health metrics: Users can check their current stats in the Fitbit Today app by asking questions like “What’s my heart rate?” or “What’s my step count?”This rollout represents a significant shift in how users will interact with their smartwatches, enhancing the overall experience on Wear OS devices. With its robust capabilities and user-friendly interface, Google Gemini is set to redefine the smartwatch landscape.
