If you’re using Android and starting to get a little jealous of the Apple Intelligence hype, then you should know that Google Gemini is making its way to more Android phones via the Google Messages app.
Using a compatible device, you can talk to Gemini and use it like any other chatbot like ChatGPT. You can compose messages, brainstorm plans, and ask questions about anything – all from your messaging app.
Previously, Google Gemini’s Messages support was limited to a select number of smartphones. Namely Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 phones, or Samsung Galaxy S22 and later devices, including Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models.
These restrictions have now been rolled back to any Android device running the latest version of Google Messages, provided the phone has at least 6GB of RAM and RCS Messaging is enabled.
Still a few hoops to jump through
You also have to meet a few additional criteria beyond the regular phone specs. You must sign in to Messages with a personal account not managed by Family Link or a Google Workspace account; you must be 18 years or older and live in a residential area country where the position is available. Last but not least, your phone’s language must be set to English, although French also works in Canada.
Now that you’ve jumped through all those hoops, you can enjoy Gemini’s help from Messages.
To talk to Gemini, simply press the Start Chat button. Then you will see the option to talk to the bot at the top of the screen. If you’ve already started a Message conversation with Gemini, you’ll pick up where you left off in that message chain.
Please note that since the app alerts you, your RCS chats with Gemini are not encrypted, and – as is the case with all AI – you may get incorrect information returned.