Edgar Cervantes/Android Authority
long story short
- A news outlet has given us a good look at the Gemini Assistant in Google Messages.
- The assistant can make location recommendations, generate codes, create images, and more in messages.
- Later, a Google spokesperson gave us more information about the feature and cleared up some confusion.
Update, March 22, 2024 (04:17 PM ET): After publishing the original article below, a Google spokesperson reached out to clarify some details. We have not edited the original article, but please note the following updates:
- The original messages we suggest in Google Messages do not currently support image uploads. However, Google tells us it does, it just supports certain file types. We asked what types were supported, and Google said: “JPEG, PNG, and WebP, but not video and gifs.”
- We also noticed that Gemini doesn’t seem to work in group chats, and if it did, it might break encryption. Google tells us that Gemini is “not suitable for group chats,” and if added to a group it will just leave the group in most cases. Google does note that regardless, group chat data “will not reach Gemini servers, and Gemini will not respond.”
As mentioned, the original article follows the break.
Original article, March 22, 2024 (09:18 AM ET): Google confirmed last month that it would be bringing Gemini Assistant to Google Messages. The service is gradually being released in beta form around the world, and now it looks like we’ve got an idea of what it will look like.
Android system Get Gemini up and running in the Google Messages beta (version messages.android_20240318_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic) and test the assistant’s performance. Check out the screenshot below for a detailed look at the chatbot running in Messages.
The outlet discovered various tidbits while using the assistant. First, Gemini in Messages supports flight, Gmail, map and other extensions. It also notes that Assistant supports code suggestions in the Messages app. Other notable features include responses to emojis and image generation.
Unfortunately, Gemini in Messages is currently unable to handle uploaded image files. Therefore, you need to use the main Gemini application for image-based prompts and queries. The website also states that they were able to add Gemini to a group chat, but could not find a way to get replies in said chat. It warned that adding Gemini to a group chat would also break encryption.
Regardless, Gemini in Google Messages is slowly rolling out to beta right now. Google said the feature is limited to English, but added that it will be available in 165 countries. The company also notes that you’ll need a Pixel 6 or later, a Pixel Fold, a Galaxy S22 series phone or newer, or a Galaxy Z Flip/Fold device.