Google has announced an exciting update to its Messages app, integrating Gemini AI to enhance functionality and user interaction directly within chats.
The latest update will offer quick access to AI capabilities directly within the Messages app. A new floating action button located above the “Start chat” button on the lower-right corner off the interface will enable easy access to this AI service. Users will be allowed to ask questions, receive information or issue commands seamlessly while continuing their conversations within Messages.
Gemini AI respects user privacy by not scanning private conversations. However, interactions with the AI chatbot are not end-to-end encrypted, which prompts users to exercise caution while sharing potentially sensitive information. Furthermore, Google AI does not track user location beyond general details derived from the IP addresses or home addresses to provide relevant information.
Google also provides options for users to manage their chat history with Gemini, allowing for storage customization from defaults settings of 18 months up to 36 months, or even as low as three months.
This development follows Google’s recent announcement and introduction of Gemini AI on other platforms like Gmail, according to GSM Arena. While the feature has not been widely rolled out, Google assures users that Gemini AI operates similarly to its standalone version on Android devices.
However, there are some criteria you must meet before using this artificial intelligence. Among others, you are required to have an Android phone with 6GB of RAM or higher, have RCS chats turned off, and have the device’s language set to either English or Canadian French. The full list can be found on Google’s Gemini Apps Help Page.
