Google’s AI-powered digital assistant, Gemini, has taken a significant step forward by integrating one of its most sought-after features: support for Google Assistant Routines. This development addresses a key limitation that had been holding back widespread adoption of Gemini among Android users.
Gemini, which launched in February as Google’s next-generation AI assistant, initially lacked the ability to trigger Assistant Routines, a popular feature that allows users to execute multiple tasks with a single voice command. Now, Android users can activate Routines by saying “start [routine name]” within the Gemini app, bridging a crucial gap between the new AI and its predecessor.
However, the implementation comes with some caveats. Not all Routine starters and actions are currently supported in Gemini. Users cannot trigger Routines via typed commands, scheduled times, location-based activation, or home screen shortcuts. Additionally, certain actions like playing music, sharing fitness data, or reciting poems are not yet available through Gemini-activated Routines.
To access this feature, users can navigate to Gemini Settings > Google Assistant features in Gemini > Routines. Some have already taken to Reddit to confirm that the feature now works. The list of remaining unsupported Assistant features has been narrowed down to Interpreter mode and certain media service providers, as highlighted out by 9to5Google.
This update follows hints discovered in an APK teardown of the Google app last month, which suggested that Routine support was in development for Gemini. The integration appears to be a transitional solution, allowing Gemini to control existing Assistant Routines rather than implementing an entirely new system.
While the current implementation may feel somewhat clunky, requiring users to create Routines in Assistant and then trigger them through Gemini, it represents a significant step towards feature parity between the two platforms. This move is likely to encourage more Android users to transition to Gemini as their primary digital assistant.
Dwayne Cubbins
400 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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