Google is reportedly launching the integration of Google Messages with Gemini, its artificial intelligence (AI) model. The company first introduced this feature as a beta update in March 2024, but it is now rolling out to users in most regions. Notably, India, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the European Economic Area (EEA) are not included in this update. The Gemini integration allows users to leverage the conversational and generative capabilities of the AI model within the Messages app.
Gemini on Google Messages
The Mountain View-based tech giant in a nutshell exposed this new feature at the Google I/O 2024 event. Basically, this feature creates a separate location to access the AI model. Users can find it as their first contact on the New Conversation screen (accessible by tapping the floating action button located at the bottom right).
Gemini in Google Messages can compose messages and emails, conduct conversations, or search for information on the web for users. It can also rephrase or rewrite messages to improve them. However, users cannot access Gemini in groups or conversations with other users. It is only accessible separately in chat. Specifically, Meta allows users to access Meta AI in WhatsApp group chats.
Users can also use emojis in conversations and upload images as commands. However, the AI would not be able to process voice messages.
Gemini on Google Messages is reportedly rolling out
According to a report by 9to5Google, AI features are now generally available in most regions. Once available, users will be able to connect to the AI using Google app extensions. All Gemini Internet client extensions are also available for Gemini in Google Messages, except for the recently introduced YouTube Music extension, the report said.
The report also highlights that while the feature will be available globally, it will not be rolled out in India, the UK, Switzerland and the EEA region comprising the 27 EU countries as well as the Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Google did not reveal the reasons for its decision.
Users must activate Wealthy Communication Companies (RCS) before they can use Gemini. Additionally, these messages are not end-to-end encrypted. If users find a post inaccurate or inappropriate, they can long press to leave comments. Currently this feature can only be used on smartphones and the Internet client or Put on OS app does not support it.
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