Google Gemini Users Can Now Access AI Chatbot from iPhone’s Lock Screen
New Update Allows Users to Call Up Gemini Live from Lock Screen
Google has released an update that allows users of its Gemini app to access its AI chatbot, Gemini Live, directly from their iPhone’s lock screen. This feature was first spotted by 9to5Google. With this update, users can now call up Gemini Live, a relatively real-time voice feature for Google’s AI chatbot, before they even unlock their phone by adding a Gemini widget to their lock screen.
Additional Lock Screen Widgets
The updated Gemini app also includes several other lock screen widgets, including one for taking pictures using the iPhone camera and uploading them to Gemini, one for setting reminders and calendar events, and another that lets users jump straight to a text chat with Gemini.
Comparing with Other AI Assistants
As Apple’s version of an AI-enabled Siri reportedly faces delays until 2027, competitors in the AI space are stepping in to supply iPhone users with AI assistants of their own. These features may give iPhone users a sense of what’s possible with LLMs and voice assistants, though Apple’s version of an LLM-powered Siri may be far more integrated with the iPhone’s other functions when it ultimately ships.
ChatGPT’s iOS App Also Offers Similar Feature
ChatGPT’s iOS app also lets users call up OpenAI’s near real-time voice feature, Advanced Voice Mode, from the lock screen.
Project Astra Update
Google also announced on Monday that later in March, it will allow Gemini users on Android to ask its AI chatbot questions about video and onscreen content, and get answers in real-time. These features were first unveiled as part of Project Astra, Google DeepMind’s multimodal AI project that is slowly making its way into the Gemini app. To start, these features will be available for subscribers to Google’s $20-a-month Gemini Advanced plan.
Conclusion
The latest update to the Gemini app brings a range of new features to iPhone users, including the ability to access Gemini Live from the lock screen. This update is part of Google’s efforts to compete with other AI assistants in the market, including Apple’s Siri and ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode.
FAQs
- What is Gemini Live?
- Gemini Live is a relatively real-time voice feature for Google’s AI chatbot.
- What other lock screen widgets are available in the updated app?
- The app includes widgets for taking pictures, setting reminders and calendar events, and jumping straight to a text chat with Gemini.
- Is the new feature available for Android users?
- No, the new feature is currently only available for iPhone users. However, Google has announced that it will be available for Android users later in March.
- What is Project Astra?
- Project Astra is a multimodal AI project developed by Google DeepMind that is slowly making its way into the Gemini app.
- How much does the Gemini Advanced plan cost?
- The Gemini Advanced plan costs $20 per month.
