Joe Maring / Android Authority
About a month ago, Google started doing something long overdue for Wear OS: it finally began replacing Google Assistant with Gemini. As imperfect as it may be at times, Gemini is a really powerful tool. More importantly, Google Assistant on Wear OS has been showing its age for a while now.
I’ve been testing Gemini on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for a little over two weeks. In addition to using it for daily tasks, I’ve also been comparing it side by side with Google Assistant on another watch.
Simply put, the difference between Gemini and Google Assistant on Wear OS isn’t even close.
Do you have a Wear OS watch with Gemini? 31 votes Yes, I bought a new Galaxy Watch 8 with Gemini built-in. 23 % Yes, my existing Wear OS watch got the update. 58 % No, my Wear OS watch doesn't have Gemini. 6 % No, I don't have a Wear OS watch. 13 %
Gemini is already leagues ahead of Google Assistant
Joe Maring / Android Authority
I spent some time comparing Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to Google Assistant on the Pixel Watch 3, and within the first couple of questions I asked both assistants, it became immediately apparent just how much more capable Gemini is.
Thanks to smoke from the Canadian wildfires, the air quality index (AQI) in Michigan has been bad lately. As such, outdoor exercise isn’t always a good idea. I asked Gemini and Google Assistant, “Is it safe to run outdoors with the current air quality near me?” Gemini found the exact AQI for where I live in Michigan, with an explanation that people with respiratory issues should avoid or limit their outdoor activity.
What was the Google Assistant’s response? A simple but unhelpful “Sorry, I didn’t understand.” Off to a great start!
... continue reading