Gemini AI Assistant Adds New Feature for Making Calls and Sending Messages from the Lock Screen
The Gemini AI assistant is rolling out a new and highly anticipated feature that enables users to make calls and send messages directly from the lock screen of their Android devices. This new functionality, which is part of the latest Gemini app update, is designed to streamline communication and provide users with quicker access to these essential tasks without needing to unlock their phone. While this feature is not yet widely available, some users have already begun testing it, and Google is expected to make it more widely accessible in the coming weeks.
Gemini AI’s Lock Screen Feature
The new lock screen feature for the Gemini AI assistant offers a hands-free way to interact with the phone’s calling and messaging apps. With this update, users can now perform these actions without having to unlock their device, making it more convenient for users who need to make quick calls or send urgent messages without disrupting their workflow.
Key Features of the Gemini Lock Screen Functionality:
- Call and Message Access Without Unlocking: Users can initiate calls and send text messages directly from the lock screen.
- Server-Side Activation: The feature appears to be activated server-side, meaning it may not be available immediately to all users.
- Default Setting: The feature is off by default, giving users control over when they want to enable it.
How to Enable the Lock Screen Calling and Messaging Feature
To use this new functionality, users must first enable it in the Gemini app settings. Here’s how:
- Go to Gemini Settings: Open the Gemini app and navigate to the settings.
- Activate Lock Screen Feature: In the settings, tap on Gemini on Lock Screen.
- Enable the Feature: Toggle the option “Make calls and send messages without unlocking” to turn on this functionality.
Once activated, users can voice-activate the Gemini assistant on the lock screen, allowing them to give verbal or typed commands to make a call or send a message. Without this setting, Gemini would prompt users to unlock the device before performing these actions.
How It Works: Voice Activation and Direct Action
With the lock screen feature turned on:
- Users can voice activate Gemini without unlocking the device.
- Once activated, users can give a verbal or typed command to initiate a call or send a message.
- The AI assistant will complete the task immediately, without needing to unlock the device, saving time and effort.
Important Considerations for the New Feature
- Calling and Messaging Apps: To make this feature work, users must ensure that their calling and messaging apps are enabled in the Gemini settings.
- Activation Control: The feature is turned off by default, so users must manually activate it in the settings.
- Not Yet Widely Available: The functionality is still in the process of rolling out and might not be available to all users at this time.
- Server-Side Activation: The feature is likely activated on the server side, meaning it could be delivered to devices through future updates.
Google’s Future Plans for Gemini’s Extensions
While this lock screen feature is an exciting addition, Google is also working on separate extensions for the phone and messages apps. These extensions will likely enhance the AI’s capabilities in the future, but the lock screen calling and messaging feature does not require these extensions to function. This makes it easier for users to get started with Gemini’s voice-assisted communication without waiting for additional updates.
Conclusion
The Gemini AI assistant’s new lock screen calling and messaging feature brings a new level of convenience to Android users, allowing them to quickly perform tasks like making calls or sending messages without unlocking their device. This feature is particularly useful for people on the go, saving them time and reducing the number of steps required to make quick communications. While it’s still rolling out and is currently off by default, users who have access to the feature can take advantage of the convenience it offers, with more improvements and extensions likely on the horizon.
