Google Gemini has rolled out a significant update allowing users to interact with its AI chatbot directly from their iPhone’s lock screen. This feature, first reported by 9to5Google, enables users to access Gemini Live, a real-time voice interaction capability, without needing to unlock their devices.
To utilize this feature, users must add a Gemini widget to their lock screen. This update positions Google Gemini as a competitive alternative to Apple’s forthcoming AI-enabled Siri, which is expected to debut in 2027. The introduction of Gemini Live provides iPhone users a glimpse into the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) and voice assistants.
In addition to Gemini Live, the updated app includes several other lock screen widgets. These allow users to:
- Take pictures using the iPhone camera and upload them to Gemini.
- Set reminders and calendar events.
- Jump directly into a text chat with Gemini.
Furthermore, Google plans to expand Gemini’s capabilities on Android devices later this month, enabling users to ask the AI chatbot questions about video and onscreen content in real time. These advancements are part of Project Astra, a multimodal AI initiative by Google DeepMind, gradually being integrated into the Gemini app.
The new features will be available to subscribers of Google’s $20-a-month Gemini Advanced plan.
For more details, visit the original article here.