On Wednesday, Google announced the much-anticipated rollout of Gemini to Wear OS watches, nearly two months after initially teasing the feature back in May. This update marks a significant evolution in how users will interact with their smartwatches, as the tech giant aims to enhance the overall user experience through advanced AI capabilities.
In addition to the Gemini rollout, Google is introducing new Circle to Search capabilities, integrating its AI Mode search experience directly into this feature. This enhancement allows users to conduct gaming-related queries and explore information more efficiently. Gemini will be available on a range of Wear OS 4+ devices from popular brands including Pixel, Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi over the coming weeks.
This announcement is part of Google’s broader strategy to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across all devices and platforms. To engage with Gemini, users can initiate interaction by saying “Hey, Google,” pressing and holding the side button on their watch, or tapping the Gemini app icon displayed on their watch screen. This seamless integration is designed to make everyday tasks more manageable.
Gemini offers practical assistance for users in various scenarios. For instance, while cooking with messy hands, a user could ask, “For how long should I roast sliced vegetables, and at what temperature?” Alternatively, when rushing out the door, one might inquire, “Do I need an umbrella today?” These examples highlight the convenience of having an AI assistant readily available at your fingertips.
Moreover, Gemini can facilitate task management across multiple applications. Users can request Gemini to “Summarize my last email from Emily” or “Add my son’s next five baseball games to my calendar.” Such features are particularly beneficial for busy individuals juggling multiple responsibilities.
Another impressive capability of Gemini is its ability to remember important details. Users can easily set reminders by saying things like, “Remember I parked on level 4, spot 27” or “Remind me to go grocery shopping after work.” This feature is designed to enhance user convenience, ensuring that critical information is easily accessible.
The new Circle to Search capabilities aim to simplify information exploration. Launched last year, this feature allows users to initiate a Google search by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on items visible on their screens. With the integration of AI Mode, users can now leverage advanced reasoning to delve into complex topics and pose follow-up questions without needing to switch between apps.
After initiating a search through Circle to Search, an AI Overview will appear in the results, providing users with a structured summary. Users can then scroll down to tap “Dive deeper with AI Mode” to ask additional questions and further explore the visual search results.
Google is also enhancing the usability of AI Mode in Google Lens, making it accessible through the Google app on both Android and iOS. This capability is currently available to users in the U.S. and India, further expanding the reach of Gemini’s innovative features.
Additionally, Google has announced that Circle to Search can now be utilized while gaming on mobile devices. For example, players can use this feature to identify new characters or discover winning strategies during gameplay. This integration enriches the gaming experience by providing instant assistance.
Lastly, Google has improved the AI Overviews, ensuring that responses are better formatted and easier to read. The tech giant emphasizes that AI Overviews can effectively break down key information and incorporate more visuals, thus enhancing user engagement and understanding.
