- Google Gemini can now access extensions from your lock screen
- This means it can use other phone apps to perform tasks
- Gemini cannot access personal information such as your calendar
Google is expanding what Gemini is capable of doing from your phone’s lock screen. The new AI Update allows Android device users to quickly access Gemini extensions along with AI’s regular help without having to unlock their phone after enabling the feature.
To access the lock screen version of Gemini, use either ‘Hey Google’ Wake Word or your device’s built-in AI activation (such as long-range on / off button on Google Pixel phones). Then you can make your usual Gemini requests to receive the AIs more in-depth answers or to tell it to perform an action using one of your other apps.
Earlier, if Gemini needed to rely on another app to finish its goal, you would have to unlock your device, which could be frustrating if you were hoping to complete the task hands -free. Now you ask to create a reminder to grab some chocolates and praise before your date evening or ask when the nearest Starbucks is closing and how far away it is can be done hands -free with a locked phone.
Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), Gemini may not be able to withdraw personal information from apps like your calendar or e emails, unless you lock it first – which is not good at ease of use means you don’t have to worry about AI that reveals private information to anyone who asks your phone a probing question.
How to turn on Gemini on the lock screen
Activation of Gemini’s new expansion powers is simple. If you have previously allowed Google Assistant on lock screen or Gemini on the lock screen, the new tool has been activated by default.
If you had not previously made it possible for your AI to work on your lock screen but want to activate it, open the Gemini app, press your profile picture in the upper right corner of the screen, go into your settings, press’ Gemini on the lock screen ‘and then in this submenu change on the setting at the top of the page.
Once you have allowed Gemini to work without unlocking your device, allow AI to make calls and send messages without unlocking – which also requires you to connect your calls and message apps with AI.
