Old Android Phone, New Life: Gemini Transforms Device into Smart Speaker & Screen
MADRID - An old Android phone gathering dust can be reborn as a fully functional smart speaker and screen thanks to Google‘s gemini AI assistant, offering a low-cost choice to dedicated smart home devices. The process, detailed by Xataka Mobile, allows users to activate Gemini’s voice response even when the phone’s screen is locked, effectively turning the device into a hands-free assistant.
The resurgence of older hardware addresses growing concerns about e-waste and provides a practical solution for those seeking to expand their smart home ecosystem without important investment.while gemini is active and the screen is on, the phone functions as a smart speaker, responding to voice commands. Further configuration unlocks voice activation even with the screen off,completing the transformation.
To enable “Hey Google” functionality on a locked screen:
- Go to Gemini settings in the Google app and scroll down to “gemini on lock screen.”
- Activate the “Use Gemini without unlocking the device” function.
For optimal convenience, disabling the lock screen is recommended - but only if the phone doesn’t contain sensitive data. This can be achieved by:
- Going to Android settings and entering “Security and privacy”.
- Navigating to “device Unlock” (or searching for ”unlock” in settings).
- Selecting “Screen lock”, entering the current code, and choosing “None”.
- Crucially, removing the unlock code should only be done on devices without private information.
Once configured,simply place the phone on a stand and connect it to a charger. The repurposed device then functions as a persistent smart display and speaker, offering a new lease on life for aging technology.
