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The transition, announced last week, is becoming more widespread, with owners of Wear OS devices now able to update their experience via the Google Play Store.
Upon installation through the “Manage apps” section in the Play Store, users receive a notification confirming, “Gemini is now on your watch.” This signals the decommissioning of the Google Assistant.
Interaction with Gemini is accessible through multiple methods: the “Hey Google” voice command, a long press of the side button, the app icon, a dedicated Tile, or a watch face complication. While the Tile and complication may be listed under “Google” or “Google Digital Assistant” in menus, they ultimately feature the distinctive Gemini sparkle icon. The “At a Glance” complication remains operational independently.
The new Tile boasts a Material 3 Expressive design, featuring a microphone button artfully integrated along the screen’s lower curve, complemented by other modern visual elements.
Activating Gemini presents a brief splash screen showcasing the central sparkle before transitioning to the “Ask Gemini” interface, which currently displays a blue-purple glow, awaiting the full four-color update seen on other platforms.
When utilizing apps or extensions, including Google Search, a “Connecting…” screen appears momentarily before the response is delivered. Gemini’s responses can include text and images, with user feedback options provided via thumbs up/down icons and a microphone. Echoing its mobile counterpart, a disclaimer reads, “Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it.”
Gemini’s availability on Wear OS is expanding as of Tuesday afternoon, though not yet universally deployed. Users are encouraged to check the Play Store for the update.
Available commands showcase Gemini’s versatility across various categories:
This expansion of Gemini’s capabilities to wearables signifies a broader push by Google to integrate AI across its product ecosystem. For instance, a recent study by Statista indicated that the number of people using voice assistants globally is projected to reach over 8 billion by 2024, highlighting the growing demand for such technologies.
