Google recently announced a significant update to its Gemini app on iOS and iPadOS, introducing a series of new lock screen widgets. These widgets aim to provide users with more convenient access to the AI assistant's features, enhancing user experience. The update adds six widgets in total, allowing users to directly access specific Gemini functions, streamlining the workflow.
This move by Google is clearly an attempt to attract more iPhone and iPad users and reduce their reliance on Siri. Reports suggest Apple has been slow in improving its Siri voice assistant's intelligence and capabilities, facing competition from rivals like Google Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Bloomberg technology analyst Mark Gurman revealed last week that a truly comprehensive Siri upgrade might still be years away. This presents a prime opportunity for Google to aggressively promote its Gemini app during this window.
Introducing the new widgets, Google highlighted the unique function of each. The "Input Prompt" widget allows users to type in any question or prompt to receive an answer. The "Live Chat" widget enables voice conversations with Gemini, facilitating brainstorming. The "Open Microphone" function quickly activates the microphone for setting reminders, creating calendar events, and more. The "Use Camera" widget lets users capture the current scene and ask Gemini questions about it.
Furthermore, the "Share Image" and "Share File" widgets add interactive elements, allowing users to select images for information or creative purposes, or share files to convey more complex questions and ideas. These new features undoubtedly enhance Gemini's practicality, making it an indispensable assistant in daily life.
Google launched the standalone Gemini app for iOS in November, separating it from the traditional Google Search app. With the continuous advancement of technology and growing user demand for intelligent assistants, the impact of this update on Siri's future warrants continued observation.
