Google is set to expand its AI capabilities across a wider range of devices, including smartwatches, tablets, and cars. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed the plans during the company’s Q1 earnings call, building on the company’s push to integrate Gemini AI into more of its services.
“We’re upgrading Google Assistant on mobile devices to Gemini, and later this year we’ll upgrade tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches,” Pichai said.
The tech giant has already embedded Gemini into apps like Gmail and Google Photos, and has announced that it will replace Google Assistant with an AI voice assistant by the end of 2024.
While Google’s Wear OS is not considered the most advanced smartwatch platform, it remains the default choice for premium models such as Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series and the OnePlus Watch.
The announcement raises two key questions. First, what does “later this year” mean? Whether the update will be detailed at the upcoming Google I/O event in May or coincide with a new Pixel Watch launch remains unclear. Second, concerns around data privacy loom large. Given smartwatches’ limited storage and processing power, much of the AI functionality will likely be cloud-based, leading to questions about how users’ health data might be used or stored.
Currently, the Gemini app on Android offers users a selection of AI models, ranging from Gemini 2.0 Flash to the more advanced 2.5 Pro and experimental 2.5 Flash models. It remains to be seen which of these models will eventually power the new on-device experience.