Google is enhancing Gemini, its AI assistant, with hands-free calling and messaging capabilities directly from the lock screen.
How to Enable the Feature
Users can activate this feature through Gemini Settings > Gemini on Lock Screen, by enabling the "Make calls and send message without unlocking" setting. This requires turning on the calling and messaging apps within Gemini.
Gemini Extensions and Assistant Integration
While Gemini Extensions for "Phone" and "Messages" are still rolling out, this new feature utilizes Google Assistant for devices where the Extensions are not yet available. This bypasses the need to unlock the device for initiating calls or sending messages.
Availability
The "Make calls and send message without unlocking" setting is currently being rolled out and may require force-stopping the Google app to appear. It has been observed in Google app 15.48 beta after a server-side update. For more information on Gemini, check out the December 2024 Google System Update.
This update builds upon other recent Gemini enhancements, such as the Google Play Cyber Monday Discounts and the rollout of the Gemini app for Google Workspace users. For those interested in AI-powered browsing, explore Dia: The AI-Powered Browser.