Google Assistant gets smarter with Gemini AI and Google Wallet expands on Wear OS

Google is rolling out significant updates to its ecosystem, enhancing user experience through advanced AI-powered responses in Google Assistant and expanded features in Google Wallet for Wear OS devices. Here’s what’s new and how it changes the way you interact with your devices.

Gemini-Powered Google Assistant: A Smarter, More Conversational Experience

Google Assistant, now backed by Gemini large language models (LLMs), is delivering improved, more natural interactions on smart speakers and displays like the Nest series. This marks a shift towards a more human-like conversational assistant, offering richer, context-aware responses.

What’s Changing?

1. New Voice for Complex Queries:
   Some Nest users are experiencing a fresh Assistant voice that feels warmer and better-paced, reserved for conversational tasks. For simpler questions, like asking about the weather, the standard voice remains.
2. Enhanced Interaction:
   The Gemini-powered Assistant excels in follow-up questions, allowing a back-and-forth conversation. For example, when asked, “What’s up?”, users report receiving detailed, thoughtful replies compared to the simpler responses seen before.
3. Natural Language Understanding:
   This upgrade enables the Assistant to handle pauses, adjust to multiple or rephrased questions, and adapt better to user intent.

Features in Development:

Google Home app hints at upcoming updates that users can expect soon:

• Richer Responses: Summarized yet clear explanations for complex topics.
• Improved Voices: More lifelike tones for easier communication.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Ability to adjust responses dynamically to your changing queries.

Google Wallet for Wear OS: Corporate Badges, Campus IDs, and More

Google Wallet on Wear OS is evolving into a versatile tool beyond payment cards. Soon, it will support “access cards,” including work badges, campus IDs, and hotel keys, making it an essential companion for wearable device users.

Key Features Coming to Wear OS Wallet:

1. Access Cards Integration:
   Users can store corporate badges, student IDs, and hotel keys on their Wear OS devices, making entry to workplaces, campuses, and hotels hands-free and seamless.
2. Expanded Support for Passes:
   Following the introduction of loyalty cards and QR code-based passes last year, Google Wallet now groups and archives passes, allowing for easy organization and retrieval.
3. International Reach:
   Google Wallet’s web interface, launched earlier this year, now serves over 90 countries. This platform lets users manage saved payment methods, view transaction histories, and access digital passes from one centralized hub.

Rollout Timeline:

The new features will debut with version 24.47 of Google Play Services. While not widely available yet, users can expect a gradual rollout over the coming weeks.

Why This Matters

These updates reflect Google’s focus on making everyday tasks more intuitive through AI and enhanced device connectivity. The smarter Assistant powered by Gemini LLMs ensures smoother conversations, while the expanded Wallet features on Wear OS bring convenience to both personal and professional settings.

Stay tuned for further updates as Google continues refining its ecosystem, blending cutting-edge AI with practical everyday tools.