In a significant expansion of its artificial intelligence capabilities, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call that Gemini, Google’s advanced AI assistant, will be integrated into Wear OS smartwatches, Android Auto, tablets, headphones, and other connected devices by year’s end.
The announcement marks a pivotal shift in Google’s AI strategy, as the tech giant moves to replace its long-standing Google Assistant with Gemini across its entire device ecosystem. During the earnings call, Pichai outlined the company’s vision: “We’re upgrading Google Assistant on mobile devices to Gemini, and later this year we’ll upgrade tablets, cars, and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches.”
This transition represents more than a simple update, bringing sophisticated generative AI capabilities to devices that previously relied on Assistant’s more basic command structure. Recent app analysis reveals that Wear OS users will activate Gemini through familiar methods – either by holding the side button or using the “Hey Google” voice command, maintaining continuity with current user habits while delivering enhanced functionality.
The integration of Gemini into Android Auto introduces “Gemini Live,” a real-time voice interaction feature that supports multiple languages and contextual conversations. Early code discoveries indicate that users will have access to core features including alarm settings, messaging capabilities, and voice-driven queries, though some current Assistant functions remain in development.
While the upcoming deployment promises significant advancements in mobile AI interaction, several challenges remain. The current mobile version of Gemini lacks full support for Assistant routines and smart home controls. Google acknowledges potential accuracy limitations, maintaining transparency about possible errors and the need for user verification of AI-generated responses.
Hardware compatibility presents another consideration, as older Wear OS devices and basic infotainment systems may face challenges handling Gemini’s more demanding computational requirements. This technical hurdle could influence the rollout strategy and device compatibility list.
As Google prepares for this sweeping platform update, the tech community anticipates more detailed implementation specifics at the upcoming I/O 2025 event in May. This expansion represents Google’s strategic investment in AI as the primary interface for future user interactions across its entire device ecosystem.
News Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-confirms-gemini-watches-android-auto-3548054/
