Gemini in Messages Reminds Me of the Good Ol’ Google Allo Days
Mar. 27, 2024Google Messages has been on a roll with improvements, and the upcoming integration ofGeminiis particularly exciting. For the uninitiated, Gemini is Google’s generative AI assistant that’s being integrated into Android and across its suite. However, Gemini in Google Messages cannot help but remind me of Google Allo.
Google Assistantcame a long way while it was in Allo as Google added features where the Assistant would remember your inputs and converse accordingly. It was also what pushed smart replies to Android.
With Gemini’s scheduled arrival in Google Messages, it feels like Google is coming full circle after Allo’s discontinuation. Some of the features of Gemini, besides generative AI content, are meant to make your lives easier thanks to extensions. Whereas Google Assistant in Allo also did the same but was independent.
As per the userAssembleDebug, who recently enabled Gemini by flipping on flags, the AI will work similarly to the Google app and on the web. Like these versions, Gemini in Messages will support extensions (Google Workspace, Maps, Flights, and more), making it easier for users to share something with their contacts on the fly.Image Courtesy: AssembleDebug on Thespandroid
The user also asked code suggestions and it worked. However, it looks like it cannot process images right now. Besides, image generation seems to be working fine.
Now, I’m not sure why Google’s adding Gemini to Messages. Perhaps it’s to lure users to use more RCS. Or the company wants to expand it in other ways we’re not aware of. Either way, my Google Allo nostalgia still lives strong. I hope Google doesn’t butcher Gemini or Google Messages, or both.
