The Gemini virtual assistant on Android is reportedly getting new features. An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot is integrated into the operating system as an alternative to Google Assistant. With AI capabilities, the Gemini AI assistant could answer queries, generate text and search the web. However, its third-party app integration was limited, resulting in it not being very useful for general use cases. The tech giant changed that with extensions that gave the AI ​​chatbot access to certain apps. Gemini is now said to get WhatsApp and Spotify extension capabilities.

Gemini Assistant gets more extensions

According to a report by Android Authority, the new capabilities were spotted in the Google app for Android beta version 15.40.31.29 by tipster AssembleDebug. This feature hasn’t been rolled out, so beta testers won’t be able to find it. However, after activating the extension, a new prompt card reportedly appeared explaining that Google Assistant actions are being replaced by Gemini Extensions. Gemini app activity is said to be used for actions such as selecting a contact. Also, to use the extensions, users will need to keep the Gemini app active.

Gemini extensions on Android
Photo credit: Android Authority/AssembleDebug

The app will also track and detect which app the user prefers to call or text a specific contact, according to the report. Using this data, Gemini is said to automatically select the desired app by default. This setting can reportedly be changed, and any extension can be turned off in the activity menu.

The caller reportedly managed to activate the WhatsApp extension. The new Gemini extension is said to allow users to send text messages to a specified contact using verbal prompts, just like Google Assistant. After calling, the Gemini assistant interface reportedly displays an app tab, which can be clicked to go directly into the app and check the message. The extension also reportedly allows users to modify messages before sending and make voice calls using the app.

Coming to Spotify, the extension reportedly works for both free subscribers and Premium users. Users can reportedly prompt Gemini to play a song on Spotify and it will automatically select and start playing the song. Just like WhatsApp, a Spotify card is said to appear after the AI ​​executes a command, and the user can tap the card to enter the selected song within the app.