You may soon be able to use Gemini on earbuds with Google Assistant support

Gemini AI could reportedly soon integrate with select earbuds, giving users access to the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot without using the paired smartphone. Google has been steadily expanding its in-house AI chatbot, both in terms of functionality and scope. Most of Google’s apps now come with Gemini tools, and a new report suggests that the company is also planning to expand it to more devices. Notably, the company is also reportedly set to launch Pixel Buds Pro 2 later this year.

Gemini AI reportedly coming to earbuds

According to a report According to 9to5Google, users may soon be able to access Gemini directly through their earbuds. The publication found evidence of this integration in strings of code in the Google app version 15.31. One of the strings contained the line “Talk to Gemini through earbuds.”

Additionally, another string stated “assistant bisto gemini on buds notification” followed by “Your new AI assistant is on headphones.” These two messages are notable. While the latter highlights that Gemini AI will be arriving on headphones, the former mentions the “bisto” form factor. The term Bisto was first used by Google in 2017 and covers a class of headphones that run Google Assistant.

So, based on the information, it seems that Gemini AI will only be available on earbuds and headphones that come integrated with Google Assistant. The main advantage of this integration will be that users can access the AI ​​chatbot hands-free, without having to use the phone to type out a prompt.

Currently, even if a smartphone has Gemini as its default virtual assistant, activating it with the phrase “OK Google” will activate Google Assistant while using the earbuds. The integration will replace that, allowing Gemini to be activated directly through the paired earbuds.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time this feature has been announced. Back in February, a report found evidence of the feature in a beta version of the Google app. At the time, a string of code included the message: “Gemini mobile app is working on expanding availability to make it accessible on your headphones.” With the reported development, it appears the functionality is close to being released.