You may soon be able to use Gemini instead of Google Assistant on your headphones

You may soon be able to use Gemini instead of Google Assistant on your headphones،

Since its launch/rebrand last week, Google has been steadily adding updates to its latest iteration of its chatbot, Gemini. First there was the name change from “Bard” to “Gemini”, with the aim of keeping the branding more in line with the name of the LLM that manages it. Then, a paid subscription version was released as well as a mobile version with a dedicated application on Android that can serve as an assistant for your phone.

Now it appears that Google is working on an even bigger update to Gemini, one that would change the way we use smart headphones. This was spotted by the folks at 9to5Google by digging into the code of the latest beta version of the Google app on Android (version 15.6). Currently, calling up the virtual assistant on smart earbuds like the Pixel Buds still brings up the Google Assistant, even if Gemini is set as the default assistant on your smartphone.

However, hidden in the code is a strong indication that this could soon change. While it hasn't been officially announced or talked about by Google, the presence of a string described as “The Gemini mobile app is working to expand availability to make it accessible on your headphones” really tells us all we have to know, except how Google plans to handle the integration.

How will this benefit us?

We can assume that with Gemini integrated into the headphones, the listening experience could be taken to the next level. Think powerful, hands-free control: change tracks, control playback, get summaries of articles read to you, and even solve complex formulas on the go.

It's still early, but this could open up a whole new world of AI-powered sounds and capabilities, like an EQ specifically tailored to your listening habits or the specific song you're listening to at that moment. The possibilities could be endless and lots of fun to try. Hopefully we won't have to wait very long to find out.