The last few days have been all about the Galaxy S25 series launch and the ongoing CES 2025 in Las Vegas. We’ve been so caught up in the excitement that we almost forgot other devices even exist. But don’t worry, Google and Samsung haven’t forgotten. If you own a Galaxy Watch or any other Wear OS-powered device, there’s some exciting news coming your way. Word is, Gemini might be gearing up for its debut on the Galaxy Watch and more Wear OS devices.
Gemini could soon debut on Galaxy Watch and more Wear OS devices
Android Authority recently spotted some code strings in the Google app for Android v16.0.5.sa.arm64 beta. These hint at upcoming Gemini support for the Galaxy Watch and other Wear OS devices. You can check out some of the code strings spotted if you’re curious. So it looks like Google is planning to bring Gemini to Wear OS. It would also possibly replace the current Assistant. This would be in line with how Gemini works on Android phones. And it seems like it’ll even support wake word features, allowing you to activate it with a specific phrase, much like with the phone version.
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_finished_description">Just say “Hey Google” or press & hold the side button to talk to Gemini</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_finished_title">Setup is done</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_robin_brand_name">Gemini</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_button_press_description">Hold down the side button to talk to Gemini</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_button_press_image_description">Image description for button press</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_button_press_title">Press & hold button</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_description">Easily talk back and forth to get more done with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_footer_text"><a href="%1$s">Google Terms</a> and the <a href="%2$s">Gemini App Privacy Notice</a> apply. Chats are reviewed and used to improve Google AI. <a href="%3$s">Learn about your choices</a>. Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it. <a href="%4$s">Info about your location</a> is also stored with your Gemini Apps activity.</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_header">Meet Gemini, your personal AI assistant from Google</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_vm_description">Turn on “Hey Google” on the next screen to use Gemini hands-free</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_vm_image_description">Image description for voice match</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_vm_title">Use your voice</string>
<string name="speechenroll_gemini_hotword_wear_header_description">First, wake up your watch by lifting and tilting your wrist or tapping the screen. Then, say “%1$s”.</string>
<string name="speechenroll_gemini_hotword_wear_header_title">Turn on “%1$s” for hands-free help</string>
<string name="speechenroll_gemini_hotword_wear_styled_consent_text_first_bullet">Your assistant will wait in standby mode to recognize when you say “%1$s”.</string>
Our friends over at Android Authority make a great point: smartwatches often struggle when it comes to input options, which is why better voice control would be a game-changer. So, if the report turns out to be true (fingers crossed!), and Gemini works as smoothly on Wear OS as it does on phones, it could make using a smartwatch way easier and more efficient.
Google also includes the phrase “talk back and forth,” which could hint at a feature similar to Gemini Live, though there’s no official word on that yet. Though there’s some confirmation coming our way. The publication spotted a short animation showing Gemini reacting to voice commands on a smartwatch, confirming what Google could be working on. As is often the case with these things, the code strings don’t give away much about the launch details. So, while we don’t know exactly how far along the project is, it’s looking likely that we’ll hear more about it soon.
