Google has been giving iPhone users some love with updates to its Gemini app.
The app had already enjoyed a home screen redesign so that the keyboard now automatically opens upon launching the app and changes to how users access their camera, gallery, and files.
This new update delivers six new lock screen widgets as Google and Apple continue their AI partnership.
New Version of the App
This latest version of the Gemini App for iPhone is now available via the App Store. While the last launch update was mainly about aesthetics – this is about ease of use. Its main offering is the addition of six circular lock screen widgets. These are:
- Type prompt: Stuck on a question? Type anything right away.
- Talk Live: Talk things through, or brainstorm aloud with Gemini.
- Open mic: Quickly open your mic to set reminders, create calendar events, and more.
- Use camera: Take a photo of what’s in front of you, and ask Gemini all about it.
- Share image: Choose an image to get more info, create new art, or start a chat.
- Share file: Use a file to share the information or inspiration behind your question.
These shortcuts can be set to appear on the iPhone lock screen or home screen but they are also accessible in the Control Center, says 9 to 5 Mac.
It adds though that competing apps had these features “available on day one”, taking a dig at Google for being slow.
What Else?
The updated app also allows users to share text, images, and links directly to Gemini from any app on their iPhone.
Google adds that it comes with a host of “UI improvements and bug fixes,” although it doesn’t detail what these are.
In addition, there is a new tool for Gemini Advanced subscribers – as they can now access Deep Research from their Apple device.
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What’s Happening With AI Siri?
Apple has given Siri an AI glow-up including ChatGPT integration but, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the company acknowledges that it has some way to go.
In October, Apple’s software lead, Craig Federighi, said that delays had been because the company wanted to create a deeply integrated and individually tailored experience, not just another chatbot. He said – as reported by TechTimes:
“With that comes a great deal of responsibility because to do that that intelligence has to track information that you’ve stored on your device and that means privacy is a tremendously important consideration.” – Craig Federighi, software lead at Apple
He added that Apple does not rush releases and that Siri will get smarter gradually instead of there being an all-singing, all-dancing version launched then nothing.
In the meantime, Apple’s deal with Google, and the availability of Gemini for iPhone users (as well as the company’s deal with OpenAI) fills a gap.
