Android XR Demos Highlight Google’s New ‘Hey Gemini’ Hotword

Despite Google’s obvious preference for Gemini over the antiquated virtual assistant, the term “Hey Google” remains virtually synonymous with contacting the tech giant’s Google Assistant. Speaking “Hey Google” will still activate either Gemini or Google Assistant on Android devices, regardless of the assistant you’ve chosen. But that might soon change.

It is apparent that Google has given Gemini a high priority. Although it was initially unpopular, the AI-enabled assistant is now gaining acceptance after receiving a number of updates that have improved its functionality. It debuted on Android in February.

Among these are a plethora of new extensions designed to streamline on-device activities; they span the gamut from Google Home and Spotify to Utilities, Messages, Phone, and WhatsApp.

Gemini 2.0 Enhances Mobile Experience with New Integrations

Earlier this week, the IT giant unveiled Gemini 2.0, which features native image and audio abilities and integrated access to external tools like Google Search. This further highlights their dedication to Gemini. Gemini 2.0’s additional features will soon improve your mobile experience if you’ve already switched from Google Assistant to it on your Android smartphone.

In light of all these improvements, the AI assistant finally gets its due—and the most recent Android XR demos from Google suggest that it may soon get its own name.

An integral part of the development of Google XR is Google Gemini; in fact, Google has gone so far as to call it the “first Android platform built for the Gemini AI era.”