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Google has begun the widespread rollout of its Gemini feature in Google Messages, following its announcement at I\/O 2024, reported 9To5Google. Over the past few days, stable users have started receiving access to this innovative AI assistant, which is positioned as the first contact when starting a new chat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
After consenting to terms and conditions, users are introduced to a typical messaging interface, complete with emoji and gallery options. Although image uploads are supported, audio memos are not.<\/p>\n
Reportedly, Gemini <\/a>is designed to assist with drafting messages, brainstorming, event planning, or simply engaging in entertaining conversations. Its responses are optimized for brevity. Unlike Google Assistant in the now-defunct Google Allo, Gemini is strictly for one-on-one interactions and cannot be incorporated into group chats.<\/p>\n The feature supports Gemini Extensions<\/a> such as Workspace (@Gmail, etc.), @YouTube, and @GoogleMaps, though the YouTube Music extension is notably absent. Users can provide feedback on responses by long-pressing to leave a thumbs up or down, and have options to star or forward messages. Conversations with Gemini occur over RCS, which needs to be enabled, but they are not end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, Gemini cannot be accessed via the web version of Google Messages or the Wear OS app.<\/p>\n This global rollout excludes the EEA, UK, Switzerland, and India, but includes support for English and French in Canada. Gemini <\/a>has been available to beta users since March.<\/p>\n In separate news, Dixon Technologies has initiated trial production of Google’s flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8, signalling a major shift in manufacturing to India. This strategic move underscores Google’s increasing emphasis on local production for its high-end devices.\u00a0<\/p>\n Originally slated for the second quarter of 2024, the local manufacturing schedule for the Pixel 8 series appears to be ahead of plan. Sources from the Economic Times report that the trial runs have begun, with the first Indian-assembled Pixel 8<\/a> units potentially hitting the market by September.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \t<\/p>\n