Google Assistant has long been the default helper on Wear OS devices. However, recent code analysis within the latest Wear OS beta suggests Gemini, Google’s advanced AI, is preparing to take its place. Version 16.0.5 of Wear OS contains several code strings hinting at Gemini’s integration into a future Wear OS update.
Currently, users activate Google Assistant on their smartwatch by saying “Hey Google” or holding the side button. This enables sending messages, playing music, and getting answers directly from the wrist. A recent APK teardown by 9to5Google uncovered code suggesting an imminent shift. One telling string reads: “Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI.”
Weather on Pixel Watch 3.
While this discovery doesn’t definitively confirm Gemini’s role, it strongly suggests a significant change. Instead of a complete replacement, Gemini could enhance Google Assistant’s current functionalities within Wear OS. The specific code strings discovered are:
<string name=”assistant_bisto_wearable_robin_brand_name”>**Gemini**</string>
<string name=”assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_description”>**Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI**</string>
These findings offer a glimpse into Wear OS’s potential future. It’s crucial to remember this isn’t an official Google announcement. These code strings could represent upcoming features or simply internal experimentation.
However, if Google plans to integrate Gemini into Wear OS, more details should emerge soon. Gemini AI is a central focus for Google, and its inclusion in wearables would be a significant development. This integration could revolutionize how users interact with their smartwatches, offering a more intuitive and powerful AI assistant experience.
