Experimented with the latest Gemini app on the Galaxy Watch 8, exemplifying near perfection
Google has recently introduced Gemini, an advanced AI assistant designed specifically for smartwatches, as a replacement for the older Google Assistant. This new assistant offers significant improvements in natural language understanding, conversational ability, response informativeness, and app integration.
Features
Gemini boasts a more natural and conversational interaction, allowing users to speak in a casual, free-flowing manner without the robotic phrasing or repeated commands often associated with voice assistants. The assistant can follow context in continuous conversation, referencing landmarks from earlier queries without repeating names [1][3][4].
Unlike Google Assistant, which often provides generic "Here's something I found" type replies, Gemini offers more detailed, custom responses supported by Google Search's large language models (LLMs). Responses on Gemini can include text, images, and voice, enriching the interaction on the small wrist screen [2][3][4].
Gemini also supports multi-modal output and feedback. Users can view images and detailed information directly on the watch face, not just voice replies. Users can provide feedback through thumbs up/down or use the microphone button for corrections, improving user experience and accuracy over time [3].
Gemini syncs with Google and Samsung apps, allowing direct commands like creating calendar reminders or YouTube Music playlists smoothly on the watch without needing a phone [4]. Users can invoke Gemini by holding the side button, saying "Hey Google" (if enabled), using the Google tile or watch face complications, offering quick and flexible activation [2][3].
Performance
Gemini is notably faster and more reliable in understanding and executing longer, stream-of-consciousness queries compared to its predecessor [1][4]. The assistant feels more "human-like" and less prone to misunderstandings, enhancing smartwatches’ productivity and usability [1][4].
The rollout of Gemini is expanding, now covering many Wear OS 4+ watches from Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and others, improving voice-assistant availability and performance across devices [2][3].
Potential Improvements and Limitations
Although a clear upgrade, Gemini is not perfect; Google warns it can make mistakes, so users should double-check critical information [3]. Some users report minor early rollout issues, as is typical with new software launches [4]. The dependency on Wear OS 4+ and current device compatibility means older watches or different platforms may not benefit yet [2][3].
Further refinement in handling increasingly complex and diverse tasks, as well as deeper offline functionality for responsiveness without internet, could be future areas for improvement.
Gemini on Android Smartwatches
On Android smartwatches, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Gemini consumes approximately 20% of the battery across a full afternoon when using multiple commands and the always-listening "Hey Google" setting. However, it could benefit from a focus on brevity in its responses [5]. A "View on phone" button could be added at the bottom of Gemini replies to make transitioning to a phone easier.
In some cases, Gemini can struggle with knowing when the user is done speaking, sometimes cutting off commands or messages prematurely [6].
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic retains the usefulness of the rotating bezel from previous models, offering easy navigation and shortcuts. Its display has a brightness of 3,000 nits, making it ideal for reading responses in various lighting conditions [7]. The watch, with One UI 8 Watch, has had Gemini from day one.
Conclusion
Gemini on Wear OS is a sophisticated AI upgrade over Google Assistant, focused on natural, conversational voice control with richer responses, faster performance, and better integration for smartwatch users. It significantly enhances smartwatch productivity but is still evolving as Google expands rollout and addresses early-stage limitations.
[1] https://www.androidcentral.com/gemini-google-assistant-ai-update-wear-os-4 [2] https://www.androidcentral.com/gemini-google-assistant-ai-update-wear-os-4-samsung-galaxy-watch-4 [3] https://www.androidpolice.com/2022/08/10/gemini-google-assistant-update-now-rolling-out-to-wear-os-4-devices/ [4] https://9to5google.com/2022/08/10/gemini-google-assistant-update-rolling-out-to-android-wear-os-devices/ [5] https://9to5google.com/2022/08/10/gemini-google-assistant-update-rolling-out-to-android-wear-os-devices/ [6] https://www.androidcentral.com/gemini-google-assistant-ai-update-wear-os-4-samsung-galaxy-watch-4 [7] https://www.androidcentral.com/gemini-google-assistant-ai-update-wear-os-4-samsung-galaxy-watch-4
- With the introduction of Gemini, users can now enjoy a more natural and conversational interaction with their smartwatches, utilizing this AI assistant's advanced technology to navigate their smartphones, smartwatch apps, and gadgets.
- Equipped with Google Search's large language models (LLMs), Gemini offers more detailed, custom responses that include text, images, and voice on smartwatch screens, setting it apart from traditional smartphone-based voice assistants.
