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“Hey Google” is rebooted and makes way for the new AI kid in town

Heory
“Hey Google” is rebooted and makes way for the new AI kid in town

“Hey Google” isn’t the same anymore. Google has decided to disconnect the “Hey Google” message from Google Assistant on Android phones and replace it with a connection to Gemini Live, the new mobile – and free – version of Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform.

Gemini Live was only available to Pixel 9 owners, but now it’s available to all Android users. And in ConsumerAffairs workouts, the app offers much more than expected. The tool allows users to conduct natural voice conversations, brainstorm and explore topics using an AI assistant.

One of the more interesting customizations is that the app offers 10 new voices, allowing users to personalize interactions with different tones and accents. Another advantage is that it is hands-free, which means you can place your phone on the table and use it without having to pick it up.

Another interesting thing about Gemini Live is that it does not want to participate in the 2024 elections. When we asked, “Who did the media think won the vice presidential debate,” we quickly received the answer: “I can’t help with answers about the election or political figures at this time. I am trained to be as accurate as possible, but sometimes I may make mistakes. While I work to improve how we discuss elections and politics, you can try a Google search.”

However, there are still bumps in the road. Like all AI models, Gemini makes mistakes, though fewer and fewer of them over time, and humans punish them for their foolishness.

In this respect, Google has an advantage over Apple, but it won’t last long. “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of software tools based on artificial intelligence, will be available in October. However, this will not happen immediately. It will start as a “beta” with free software updates for some iPhones, Macs and iPads, and will include improved Siri, text summarization, audio transcription and photo noise removal.

Configuring

How to set up Gemini Live on your Android device? Who better to ask Gemini, right? Here’s what he had to say about his new sibling:

1. Make sure you have the Gemini app:

2. Open the Gemini app:

3. Launch Gemini Live:

  • Click “Live”: You should see a “Live” button appear at the bottom of the Gemini app screen. Click this.

  • Follow the instructions: Some instructions may appear on the screen, especially the first time you use it. Just keep following along.

4. Start talking!

  • Speak naturally: Gemini Live is designed for voice interaction. Ask him questions, give orders or just talk.

Important notes:

  • Default Assistant: Make sure the Gemini app is set as your default digital assistant. You can usually do this in your phone’s settings under “Apps” or “Default apps.”

  • Background Use: To use Gemini Live in the background (while using other apps), you must enable notifications for Gemini Live in your device’s settings.

  • “Hey Google”: If you have “Hey Google” enabled, you can also launch Gemini Live by saying “Hey Google.”

If you have any problems, you can visit the official Google support page for Gemini Live.

You may encounter some quirks that Google hasn’t resolved yet. This explanation from 9 to 5 by Google shows you exactly where they are and how to fix them.