Google is preparing to roll out several new extensions for Gemini, its artificially intelligent assistant. From a recent APK teardown of the latest Google app beta, Android Authority shares that these updates will enhance Gemini’s capabilities, making it more versatile in managing your digital life.
Normally, the AI is a strong tool by itself, but it can do even more when it connects with other services or apps like Maps, Workspace, YouTube, and YouTube Music via extensions. Thankfully, more extensions are coming.
Six new Gemini extensions spotted
The latest version of the Google app contains hidden code suggesting that Gemini will soon be able to do a lot more than it can currently. Version 15.29.34.29 beta now houses six new extensions, some of which Google hasn’t announced yet. Among them is the Google Home extension that will let Gemini control your smart home devices directly, speeding up tasks that currently require Google Assistant.
Let’s say you have a thermostat that adjusts your home’s temperature based on your voice commands. Previously, when you told the thermostat to change the temperature, it took several seconds for Google Assistant to process the command and send the command to the thermostat before it adjusts the temperature.
Now, this response time has been shortened, even though the time saved might seem tiny. Gemini can directly interact with the smart thermostat, bypassing intermediaries. It uses an advanced language understanding for more seamless commands.
More extensions for hands-free control are on the way
A second extension will enable Gemini to directly initiate phone calls based on voice commands. You’ll be able to say “Call Jane” or similar phrases, and Gemini will automatically place the call. It’s convenient when you don’t want to manually open the dialler app.
The third extension, Utilities, will let Gemini interact with your phone’s settings and apps directly. It can take photos, open apps, and even adjust the volume without you swiping or tapping on the device’s screen. While additional features like locking the phone or switching to dark mode are rumored, they are just speculations at this point. Anyway, there’s a lot to gain from these improvements, especially if you have limited mobility. You’ll now perform tasks without relying on physical strength or dexterity.
The last three extensions hint at integrations with Google Calendar, Keep, and Tasks. Google previously confirmed them among many major improvements at the I/O 2024 event. But it’s unclear if they will be separate extensions or part of the existing Workspace extensions. But it’s obvious that their capabilities will revolve around organizing and keeping track of your schedules, notes, and to-do lists. The Gemini app is available for downloads on all Pixel phones, and other Android smartphones.
Disclaimer: An APK teardown is a process where developers or tech enthusiasts look closely at an Android app’s code to find out about new or hidden features that aren’t available yet. Keep in mind, what’s found this way might not always be exactly what shows up in the final version of the app. It’s possible Google may not release the aforementioned features afterall.
