Google Set to Replace Assistant with Gemini AI on Wear OS

Google is gearing up for a significant upgrade to its Wear OS platform by potentially replacing Google Assistant with its latest Gemini AI. This shift is designed to enhance user interaction on smartwatches, where screen size limitations make audio responses more crucial. Users will be able to summon Gemini AI using the familiar "Hey Google" hotword, or by pressing a dedicated side button on their Wear OS devices, allowing for seamless access to AI assistance. Though Google Assistant made its initial appearance on Wear OS in 2018, it gained traction with the introduction of Wear OS 3 in 2021. Reports suggest that the transition to Gemini AI could occur through an upcoming update during the next Pixel Feature Drop in March. Recent explorations of the Google app beta have revealed code indicating how users with Wear OS devices can set up the new feature through their mobile application. Many Wear OS users have expressed their desire for a more advanced AI to replace Google Assistant, highlighting a broader trend toward more sophisticated interactions in wearable technology.