Google will bring its Gemini AI assistant to older Pixel Buds “soon,” though it’s not clear when.
The search giant detailed the news in an email blast sent to Pixel Buds owners. Per the email, Gemini will be available on Pixel Buds if Gemini is set as users’ default digital assistant on Android. However, the feature will be limited to countries where Gemini is currently supported and some features may work differently with Gemini than they did on Google Assistant. You can find a picture and a full copy of the email text at the bottom of the article.
Google also shared details about how to use Gemini with Pixel Buds, noting that they need to be connected to an Android phone and the phone will need to be unlocked in order to receive personalized responses.
Additionally, Google notes in the email that the ‘Hey Google’ wake word to trigger Assistant/Gemini will no longer work separately on Pixel Buds. The ‘Hey Google’ trigger will stick around and continue to activate Assistant/Gemini, but control of that feature will use the same settings as what you apply to your Android phone.
Overall, the addition of Gemini on older Pixel Buds should be welcomed by Gemini users. The functionality was previously limited to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, so this means you won’t need to buy new earbuds just to access Gemini. (Not that anyone should do that in the first place.)
“We’re reaching out to let you know about changes coming to Google Assistant and Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, on Pixel Buds.
“Changes to the say Hey Google setting
“Your digital assistant settings for your Pixel Buds have changed. The say Hey Google setting for your Pixel Buds is no longer a separate setting. Instead, the Hey Google setting for your connected Android phone will control whether you can get hands-free help from your digital assistant from Google on your Pixel Buds using only your voice. This will apply for both Gemini and Google Assistant. Learn more about this change.
“Gemini arriving on Pixel Buds
“Gemini will be coming soon to Pixel Buds and will be available if Gemini is set as your default digital assistant on your Android phone. Gemini on Pixel Buds will only be available in countries and territories where Gemini is currently supported, and some Pixel Buds features may work differently than they did with Google Assistant.
“To use Gemini with your Pixel Buds, your Android phone needs to be unlocked and connected to your Pixel Buds while you’re wearing them. Then, you can talk to Gemini and get personalised responses without unlocking your phone each time. However, if you remove your Pixel Buds or disconnect them from your phone, you’ll stop receiving personalised responses while your phone is locked. You can change this at any time using the Only require one unlock control in your Pixel Buds digital assistant settings.
“Please note that when you use Gemini with your Pixel Buds, the On headphones setting under Personal results does not apply. If you have Google Assistant set as your digital assistant, the setting still applies.
“Thank you,
“The Pixel Buds team”
Source: Google email Via: 9to5Google
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