Recently, Google announced that its Gemini app has undergone an important update on iOS and iPadOS platforms, launching a series of new lock screen widgets. These widgets are designed to provide users with a more convenient way to access the various functions of the AI assistant and further enhance the user experience. This update has added six widgets in total, through which users can directly access specific Gemini functions to simplify the operation process.
This move by Google is clearly a conscious desire to attract more iPhone and iPad users, thereby reducing their reliance on Siri. According to relevant reports, Apple is slow to improve the intelligence and functionality of its voice assistant Siri, facing pressure from competitors such as Google Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Bloomberg tech analyst Mark Gurman revealed last week that it may take years for Siri to undergo a truly comprehensive upgrade. This provides Google with an excellent opportunity to vigorously promote its Gemini app during this gap.
In introducing the capabilities of these new widgets, Google notes that each widget has a unique purpose. The first is the "Input Prompt" widget, where users can directly enter anything to get answers when they encounter problems. Second, the "Live Chat" widget allows users to have voice conversations with Gemini for easy brainstorming. There is also the "Open Microphone" function, which can quickly turn on the microphone, set reminders, create calendar events, etc. The "Use Camera" widget allows users to take pictures of the current scene and ask Gemini questions.
In addition, the Share Image and Share File widgets also add to the fun of interaction, where users can choose images to get more information or create, or use sharing files to convey deeper problems and inspiration. These new features undoubtedly enhance the practicality of Gemini, making it an indispensable assistant in users' daily life.
Google launched a standalone Gemini app for iOS back in November and distinguished it from the traditional Google search app. With the continuous advancement of technology, users' demand for smart assistants is getting higher and higher. How this update from Google will affect Siri's future is worth our continuous attention.