Google Expands AI Reach with Gemini Launch on Wear OS Smartwatches
Google launched its Gemini AI assistant on Wear OS smartwatches Wednesday, bringing artificial intelligence directly to users’ wrists. The tech giant also unveiled an enhanced AI Mode for its Circle to Search feature across Android devices.
Wear OS users can now access Gemini’s conversational AI capabilities without reaching for their phones. The assistant handles voice commands, answers questions, and performs tasks through the smartwatch interface. Google designed the wearable version to work seamlessly with limited screen space and touch controls.
The company simultaneously introduced AI Mode to Circle to Search, its visual search tool that launched in January 2024. Users can now circle objects, text, or images on their phone screens to trigger more sophisticated AI-powered analysis and responses. This upgrade transforms the basic search function into an interactive AI experience.
Google’s move extends its AI competition with Apple and Samsung into the wearable market. The Gemini rollout targets the growing smartwatch segment, where voice interaction proves more practical than traditional typing. Industry analysts estimate global smartwatch shipments reached 44 million units in Q2 2024.
The Gemini integration requires compatible Wear OS 4.0 devices and Android 8.0 or higher on paired smartphones. Google plans to expand availability across its hardware ecosystem throughout 2024, positioning Gemini as a central feature across phones, tablets, and wearables.
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