Google Launches Standalone Gemini App on iPhone
Google has introduced its Gemini app as a standalone application on iPhones. Previously accessible only through the Google Search app, users can now find a dedicated Gemini icon directly on their iPhone’s home screen. This shift enhances user convenience by eliminating the need to navigate through the Google app or use shortcuts to access Gemini.
The Gemini app on iPhone now mirrors the Android version, presenting a clean, minimalist interface. The home screen features a friendly “Hello” greeting, resembling Google Search’s simplicity. Users can easily access their conversation history, known as “Chats & Gems,” from the top-left corner. The input field has been simplified to a straightforward “Ask Gemini” prompt, allowing for seamless interactions.
New Features of the Gemini App
Google has positioned the Gemini app as a versatile tool for learning and creativity. It incorporates Imagen 3, an advanced AI image generator. Users can even upload photos directly to Gemini as part of their prompts, enhancing the interactivity of the experience.
Additionally, the app supports Gemini Extensions, allowing it to pull information from other Google services like YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Calendar. This integration makes it a comprehensive tool for both personal and professional use.
The app also introduces Gemini Live, a feature that debuted on Android in September. It provides a more dynamic conversational experience, enabling users to ask questions or change topics in real time. Gemini Live also supports a Live Activity feature, allowing conversations to continue even when using other apps or when the iPhone is locked.
This is particularly useful for activities like interview preparation, seeking travel tips, or brainstorming ideas. Users can choose from 10 different voices for responses, and the app supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, and many more.
The Gemini app is now available for free in 35 languages globally on the App Store. Users who prefer the older method can still access Gemini through the Google app or mobile web version.
Google Wallet to Introduce Location-Based Notifications
Google Wallet is gearing up to launch a new feature that sends notifications based on the user’s location. Currently, Google Wallet sends alerts for events like flights and tickets, but these aren’t tailored based on where the user is physically located.
A recent update (version 24.44.695355101) revealed this upcoming feature, as noted by Android Authority. With “Nearby Notifications,” users will receive alerts when they are close to a location related to a stored pass or ticket.
For instance, if you have a concert ticket saved in your Google Wallet, you’ll get a reminder notification when you’re near the concert venue. This will eliminate the need to manually check the app for ticket information.
Moreover, users will have the flexibility to customize these notifications. They can choose to enable or disable location-based alerts for specific passes, such as turning off reminders for parking passes. This feature is expected to roll out in a future update, making it easier for users to manage their digital passes and tickets.
Google Photos Updates Partner Sharing Feature
Google has also updated the Partner Sharing feature in Google Photos. This function, introduced in 2017, allows users to automatically share their photo library with another account. It can be customized to share all photos, specific photos of certain people, or photos from a selected time period.
However, Google has made a subtle yet significant change to this feature. Now, Google Photos will no longer share images that originate from “other apps,” such as photos downloaded from the web, screenshots, or images received through apps like WhatsApp. Users began noticing this update in the last few weeks.
The change was confirmed on a Google support page, indicating that photos from other apps on Android won’t be shared via Partner Sharing unless edited first. This suggests that Google Photos uses metadata to determine the source of the image, but the exact criteria for filtering remain unclear.
This update aims to enhance user privacy and control over shared content, especially since many images from external sources might not be intended for automatic sharing.
Additionally, Google has added an “Updates” section in the Photos app to keep users informed about new changes, including updates to the Partner Sharing feature.
Conclusion
Google’s recent updates across Gemini, Wallet, and Photos reflect its commitment to improving user experience and offering enhanced privacy features. The standalone Gemini app provides a more streamlined experience with robust conversational abilities. The upcoming location-based notifications in Google Wallet will help users stay organized without extra effort. Meanwhile, the changes in Google Photos’ Partner Sharing will ensure better control over shared content.
With these new features, Google is making its ecosystem more user-friendly and intuitive, catering to a wide range of user needs.
