PhoneArena readers have raised an important point about the confusion surrounding Google's Gemini assistant on Pixel phones. Currently, users need to say "Hey Google" to activate Gemini, which can be confusing and less user-friendly. In this article, we will explore how Google can enhance the user experience by introducing a "Hey Gemini" hotword for Pixel phones and providing clear instructions on switching between Gemini and Google Assistant. We will also discuss the benefits of setting up Quick Tap to access the digital assistant more conveniently. Let's dive into how Google can address this confusion and make the Gemini experience smoother for Pixel users.
PhoneArena readers wrote an interesting post in the comments section recently. In an article that mentioned how Google has been replacing Google Assistant with Gemini, this reader (iceman12177) wanted to know why Google couldn't change the hotword to activate Gemini to, well, "Hey Gemini." Right now, even if you toggled on the feature that replaces Google Assistant with Gemini allowing the AI model to take over as the digital assistant on your Pixel, you still have to use the "Hey Google" hotword to activate it.
Usually, it's a lot easier to say a word with fewer syllables. But as that loyal PhoneArena reader pointed out in his comment, it's a lot easier to say, "Hey Gemini" (4 syllables) than saying "Hey Google" (3 syllables). While not everyone agrees, saying the word Google is more of a tongue-twister for some. Besides, it's also confusing to have to say "Hey Google" when you really want Gemini.
To make things clearer, if you have your Pixel set to use Gemini as your assistant, say "Hey Google" and the Gemini prompt will surface. If you have Google Assistant set as your assistant, say "Hey Google," and Google Assistant will appear. If you're currently getting Google Assistant and want to switch to Gemini, you can do so by going to Settings > Apps > Assistant. Scroll down to Digital Assistants from Google and make your selection.
Again, regardless of which one digital assistant you choose, you'll have to use "Hey Google" as the hotword to access it. An easier way to activate Gemini or Google Assistant is to use Quick Tap. With this feature, you can tap the back of your phone twice, quickly, and have whichever assistant you chose appear on your phone. To set it up go to Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actions. Tap the choice that says, "Access your digital assistant." Instead of long pressing the power button, or calling "Hey Google," simply tap the rear panel of your Pixel twice and the appropriate prompt will appear.
Speaking about long pressing the power button to access your digital assistant, if you find that to be a pain or confusing, as many find it to be, you can disable the shortcut by going to Settings > System > Gestures. Scroll down to Press & hold power button and tap it. There, you can decide whether to have a long press of the power button open the Power menu or the Digital assistant.
If you don't want this to be a method to access Gemini or Google Assistant, press Power menu. If you do want to keep it as a shortcut to reach your assistant, make sure that Digital assistant has been tapped. Note that there is a sensitivity slider that allows you to control how long of a long-press is needed to activate the Power menu or the Digital assistant.
As some have noted, the ultimate way to open Gemini or Google Assistant is no longer available on Pixel phones. The Pixel 2, back in 2017, debuted the Active Edge feature that allowed users to squeeze the lower sides of their phone together to call up the Google Assistant. Google got rid of the feature with the Pixel 5 and never brought it back. Setting up the Quick Tap might be the easiest way to call for your digital assistant if you don't want to say, "Hey Google." It's clear that there are improvements to be made in the user experience of using Gemini on Pixel phones, and Google can take steps to address these concerns.
