- Gemini, Google’s AI-powered chatbot, is showing signs of replacing Google Assistant on WearOS smartwatches.
- The watch now shows the Gemini logo for the Assistant splash screen and in the recents menu.
- Google has also quietly changed the naming of Google Assistant and now only refers to it as Digital Assistant.
Gemini has already taken over Android devices and now serves as the default voice assistant option, taking over Google Assistant. The AI-powered chatbot has already made its way to other non-smartphone Android devices, and it seems like Wear OS smartwatches are next to enjoy Gemini’s AI prowess.
The folks at Android Police spotted that when you bring up Google Assistant on a Pixel Watch or any other Wear OS smartwatch, you will see a second of splash screen showing the Assistant logo. Now this has been replaced with a Gemini logo. But it still triggers the same old Assistant. Similarly, when you head to the recent page, you can spot the Gemini icon instead of Google Assistant with the label “Digital Assistant” next to it.
Image Credit: Android Police
Digital Assistant is now what Google Assistant is referred to as on Wear OS after the latest version 1.18 update. And it seems like a placeholder name until Gemini shows up. The icon also appears to be a placeholder, since it features multiple blue sparkles instead of a single large one.
We recently spotted a Gemini logo on the Pixel Watch appearing for smart replies while on a call. That could’ve been yet another teaser for the AI assistant’s imminent arrival.
Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, has already discussed their plans on expanding Gemini in the Q1 2025 earnings call. He reiterated, “ later this year we’ll upgrade tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches “. So it is only a matter of time, and I expect it could be here after a couple of updates. So you won’t even have to wait that long, either.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
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- Apple and Google have officially confirmed their team-up for the next-gen Siri AI.
- The Cupertino Giant will be using Google’s Gemini for a more personalized Siri model as well as Apple Intelligence features.
- We can expect the next-gen Siri to come out with iOS 26.4, sometime in March or April.
Apple has officially confirmed joining forces with Google to use its Gemini AI model to power the next-generation Siri. It will offer a more personalized experience and will be coming out with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple also plans to leverage Gemini’s capabilities for other Apple Intelligence features as well, later down the line.
The Next-Gen Siri will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI
Apple officially confirmed that it will be partnering with Google in a statement to CNBC . Here’s what it stated, “After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
Later, Google also shared a post on X confirming the tie-up, “Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”
Image Credit: X/@NewsFromGoogle
Both statements clearly mention that the Cupertino Giant will be using Gemini to power its assistant Siri. This was already rumored, as Apple’s attempts to acquire Perplexity went nowhere. With Gemini, Siri will get a major AI update . It will be able to handle more nuanced conversations and provide better results. Something long-time Apple users have been asking for years.
The next-gen Siri will arrive with the iOS 26.4 update, which will launch sometime in March or April. And it is only going to be available for Apple Intelligence-supported devices .
Something else worth noting is how Google’s statement mentions that Gemini will power Apple Intelligence features. This leads us to believe that Apple could use Gemini’s multi-modal capabilities for its Writings tools , Image Playground , and Message summaries, too.
Elon Musk Not Happy With Apple and Google Tie Up
xAI CEO Elon Musk also responded to Google’s announcement post on X, sharing his thoughts on the matter by saying, “This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome.” Though we don’t expect either Apple or Google to respond to Elon, we will update the situation as it progresses.
It is worth noting that xAI is the company behind Grok, which is in hot water currently due to its inappropriate image generation fiasco , and has been getting backlash from multiple news outlets, X users, and even government authorities.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
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