Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, just got a major upgrade for your lock screen. Previously, you could only use Gemini for basic tasks like controlling music or setting alarms. But now, you can ask general questions without even unlocking your phone!

Imagine you’re on the go and need to know the weather for the day. With this update, simply say “Hey Gemini, what’s the weather like?” and Gemini will answer you right there on the lock screen, reading the answer aloud for your convenience.

What’s in this update?

Gemini can now answer your general questions without needing you to unlock your phone first. This means quicker access to information you need on the fly. If you want to follow up with more details, tapping the text field lets you authenticate (like with your fingerprint) and continue the conversation seamlessly.

A new “Gemini on lock screen” setting lets you choose if you want this feature enabled. You can also keep the existing “Google Assistant on lock screen” option for different needs.

This feature is still rolling out, so you might not see it immediately. Additionally, while Gemini can answer general questions, it can’t access personal information or perform complex tasks from the lock screen yet. However, Google plans to allow access to certain Gemini “Extensions” in the future, which could further expand its capabilities.

This update is a big step forward for hands-free interaction with your Android phone. Now you can get quick answers from Gemini without interrupting your workflow!

Image Source: 9to5Google

Google’s shaking things up this year with the new device launch event. The company is going to launch the new Pixel 9 phones in August, a few months earlier than usual. This might be to compete with Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 release in September.

Well, Here’s something exciting for Pixel 9 Pro buyers: Google is including a free subscription to something called Gemini Advanced with the phone, first discovered by 9to5google.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro buyers (including the Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold models) might get a whole year of Gemini Advanced for free. This would normally cost $240 because it also includes 2TB of storage space on Google One.

There’s also a hint that regular Pixel 9 buyers might get a shorter trial of Gemini Advanced (maybe 6 months) to try it out. This is a great way to see if you like it before you pay for it.

Overall, this is a great deal for Pixel 9 Pro buyers. You’re getting a powerful phone with a free bonus that can help you with all sorts of tasks.

YouTube Music is testing a cool new AI feature where you can tell it what kind of music you’re in the mood for, and it will create a custom playlist for you.

This feature is still being tested on a few users, but it uses fancy AI to understand what you want and play songs that match that feeling. If it works out, you might see a new option in YouTube Music called “Ask for music any way you like.”

This new feature is different from the usual “Create a radio” option. Normally, you pick a song or artist to get similar music.

This new one lets you chat with the app. Type or speak what kind of music you want, and it will create a playlist based on your mood. It even gives you some ideas. This feature is still being tested, but it might be a game-changer for finding new music.