Gemini to replace Google Assistant on Android soon

Google’s Gemini will soon allow Android users to control device features and apps with more privacy. According to an email reported by Android Police, a Google update set to roll out on July 7th will allow Gemini to use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, regardless of the Gemini Apps Activity setting.

Disabling the Gemini Apps Activity setting prevents conversations with the chatbot from being used to “provide, improve, develop, and personalize” Google products and AI models. This setting currently restricts Gemini from completing tasks in connected apps, such as setting alarms, making calls, sending WhatsApp messages, and controlling media playback.

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Google clarified that Gemini’s app connections can be disabled anytime and that the update “is good for users.” The company stated that users can now use Gemini to complete daily mobile tasks, such as sending messages, initiating phone calls, and setting timers, while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. According to Google, “With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, their Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models.”

This change will allow users to leverage Gemini as a personal assistant without contributing to Google’s AI training datasets, as Gemini is scheduled to replace Google Assistant on Android devices later this year. Though turning Apps Activity off will prevent Gemini interactions from appearing in the activity log, Google will save conversations for up to 72 hours for security purposes, irrespective of the setting.

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