What you need to know
- Google announced the debut of “Gemini in Android Studio,” which ditches the old “Studio Bot” in favor of more AI.
- Through Android Studio Jellyfish (preview), users can message Gemini, asking him for coding tips and more.
- Google has included a Generative AI start-up template based on Gemini’s API so that users can quickly add AI-powered app features.
Google is moving forward with its “next chapter” of the Gemini era by introducing AI’s Pro model to Android Studio.
As noted in the press release, Android Studio supports Google’s Gemini 1.0 Pro model. Gemini took over the old “Studio Bot” that developers found during the launch of the platform in 2023. The company says the AI should help app developers create their products “faster” and “easier.” Those developing apps through Android Studio will find a wealth of features, starting with “Ask Gemini”.
Google says Gemini can understand “natural language” from users’ text queries. A chat window will be available for developers to type their questions to Gemini. The company adds that you can ask questions like “how can I add camera support to my app?” and “What’s the best way to get location on Android?”
The article states that Gemini will remember what users have asked, opening up the possibility to ask additional questions.
AI-powered code “completions” are another feature Gemini brings to the table. The AI is said to offer ideas on how developers can complete “multiline” pieces of code. In addition, users should also discover suggestions for code comments and ways to add documentation to their code streams.
Gemini in Android Studio comes with its own “Generative AI app” starter template. This template is based on the Gemini model API so that users can quickly incorporate AI-powered features into their applications. The API supports image and text inputs with compression, translation and other capabilities.
Google states that interested parties can find this API template in the Android Studio release channel Canary. Switch to File > New Project > Gemini API Starter go.
Privacy is a talking point with AI, and Google states that Gemini in Android Studio is designed to keep your code between you and the bot during that session. He says that “by default” Gemini’s responses are based on your conversation history with him. Users have a choice whether or not to send additional information for “custom responses”.
Moreover, Gemini in Android Studio is only available after developers log into their accounts and enable it. Google reiterates that it will continue to adhere to its AI principles to ensure the safety of users with its software.
Gemini is available as of today (April 8) in its preview version of Android Studio Jellyfish in more than 180 countries. Google reiterates that developers can use these tools at no cost, but that will change at some point in the future.