What you need to know
- Ever since Google released the Gemini app for Android, it was only available on smartphones, with tablets specifically excluded.
- The latest version of the Google Search app includes a number of new references to Gemini running on tablets.
- Although the exact launch date is unknown, it is possible that Gemini will appear on the Pixel tablet first, with the possibility of third-party support later.
After Google revamped Gemini with a new mobile app, everyone started wondering where the AI assistant would appear next. There have been reports and hunches that Gemini will appear on Google Assistant headsets, tablets or smart displays. However, new references to Gemini on tablets in the latest version of the Google Search app suggest that a release could be close.
9to5Google found strings in version 15.12 of the Google Search app that directly describe how Gemini will work on tablets. “When Gemini is a digital assistant on this tablet, hosted by a Google app, it can access certain permissions and system data,” the prompt explains, “such as the dialer, call and message logs, and contacts (to help you stay in touch), installed apps like Clock (to manage alarms and timers) and Screen Content (to help you respond).”
As with Gemini on other platforms, there is a disclaimer that Gemini is still learning. Google also says that Google Assistant can be used in situations where Gemini can’t help, and that some Assistant features won’t be available.
9to5Google was able to run Gemini on a Pixel tablet using the latest version of the Google Search app. Overall, the experience of using Gemini on a tablet is unexpectedly similar to using it on a large-screen foldable device, such as the Pixel Fold. Namely, Google Assistant remains the default voice assistant even when Gemini is installed on the Pixel tablet. This is in line with Google’s earlier guidance that smart devices will continue to use Google Assistant.
“Gemini will not replace Google Assistant on your other devices, even if you choose to use it as your mobile assistant,” Google explains in a support document. “On other non-mobile devices, including smart displays, smart speakers, TVs, cars, smartwatches, headphones and earphones with Google Assistant built-in, and Pixel tablets, Google Assistant will continue to respond to ‘Hey Google.'”
The Pixel Tablet is an interesting device because it is both a standalone tablet and a smart home hub. Due to Gemini’s current limitations with Assistant-based features, it makes sense that Google isn’t ready to completely replace Assistant for Gemini on the Pixel tablet.
Although the official launch date is not known, it seems that Google is getting ready to launch Gemini on tablets. The Pixel Tablet will almost certainly be one of the first tablets to support Gemini, but it’s possible that third-party devices could be supported as well.