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Gemini AI now functions on your Android’s lockscreen
Google has upgraded the Gemini AI app to answer general questions even on your Android phone’s lockscreen. Initially, the company’s new Gemini app was limited to Google Assistant-level commands. Now, if you trigger Gemini on the lock screen, it will respond to some general questions.
The upgraded Gemini AI now allows you to “get answers on lockscreen from Gemini without unlocking your device.” You can now get weather information at a glance with the new Gemini application, but additional actions would require you to unlock the device first.
You can keep your phone locked if your query has been answered properly. If you prefer entering the whole user interface, just unlock the device using fingerprint or PIN. Once unlocked, you will get the keyboard in the popped-up state, offering seamless flow.
The Gemini app added a new “Gemini on lock screen” setting on the main preferences page. Google’s new “Gemini responses on lock screen” toggle completes the already available “Google Assistant on lock screen” option.
Notably, Google is rolling out this update to random users sequentially. You may soon notice the changes as soon as the update reaches your handset. As it’s the first deployment, you may not get responses to some basic queries, but not too long.
Similar to Google Assistant, Gemini was able to control alarms and timers, media (play/pause), and “some phone features,” like volume. As part of the “Utilities” Extension, the US tech giant is further enhancing the user experience through the Gemini app.
Google recently launched the Pixel 9 series with satellite connectivity. Samsung is also rumored to adopt the life-saving messaging service with its next-gen flagships. Meanwhile, Verizon confirmed to launch of its satellite messaging for smartphones.
Verizon announced its partnership with Skylo to introduce satellite messaging for smartphones. It has been revealed that the carrier’s satellite SOS functionality will use the same technology as the Google Pixel 9 smartphones.
The carrier will bring a “direct-to-device messaging service” that uses satellite connectivity. The functionality could go official later this year in the Fall. It would offer emergency messaging and location sharing when you are out of network.
- Starting this fall, customers on certain smartphones have access to emergency messaging and location sharing even when a terrestrial cellular network is not available.
- Coming next year, Verizon will offer the ability to text anywhere via satellite for customers with select devices.
Verizon confirmed the feature is coming later this year, allowing you to “text anywhere” using satellite connections. The company noted that “select devices” will be eligible, however, the list of devices hasn’t been shared.
At present, Apple and Google only support using satellite connectivity in emergencies. Picking up Skylo indicates that Verizon is ensure about the reliability. It would be interesting to see if Samsung Galaxies is also listed on the eligibility chart.
Honor is about to launch its new foldable smartphone. Ahead of the unveiling, Honor roasted the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 melodramatically. It’s a brief apology to Samsung users engraved on the hinge of the Magic V3 foldable.
The Chinese phone maker announced its collaboration with UK micro-artist Graham Short. The partnership resulted in a furious attack by Honor on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The artist engraved a 166-word apology on the Magic V3 hinge.
Since the text is difficult to read, here is the complete version (via Alvin/X):
“Dear Samsung Galaxy Z Fold owners, we’re sorry. We know you were excited to buy a phone that folds in half and fits in your pocket, awkwardly. You were promised the future, a technical marvel, a world of boundless multitasking and performance.
And now, you’re probably looking at the new HONOR Magic V3 and feeling a little… betrayed. Size matters, and we feel your pain. Like being tipped for a gold medal and then coming last in the race, the knowledge that a thinner, lighter, and more durable foldable exists is enough to make anyone question their choices.
We get it. You were an early adopter, a pioneer bravely venturing into the uncharted territory of foldable screens with questionable durability. You deserve better. In fact, you deserve a gold medal.”
Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is 12.1mm thick when folded. The company is currently preparing to launch a slimmer variant. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold SE is said to be 10.6mm thick when folded.
Meanwhile, Honor’s latest foldable phone holds the title of the thinnest on the market. The device has a folded thickness of only 9.2mm. Besides, it packs a 5150mAh silicon anode battery and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
Galaxy Z Fold SE could be Samsung’s most durable foldable yet. The smartphone could launch in the next few weeks, bringing some notable upgrades. It will be slimmer and lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but Global availability is unlikely.
IceUniverse revealed that the Galaxy Z Fold SE is 10.6mm (12.1mm Fold 6) thick when folded and 4.9mm when folded. There are also reports that the upcoming foldable could be equipped with Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 200-megapixel camera.
Also 200MP camera. Most of the volume is going to China. Phone production starts in September.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) August 29, 2024
In a recent development, RossYoung shed light on the biggest upgrade in the year. The Galaxy Z Fold SE could get UFG screen technology, which is more durable than the UTG It will survive better against scratches and is said to be less visible than the current foldables.
Ross also pointed out that the UFG technology refers to a UTG with “uneven” thickness. The glass will be at its thinnest state around the folding area. However, the remaining glass will be comparatively thicker to offer boosted durability.
Rumored to get UFG which is thicker UTG except in the seam area which will help with scratch resistance, durability and seam visibility.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) August 29, 2024
UFG refers to UTG with uneven thickness, thinner in the seam where it folds, thicker elsewhere to enable a thicker chemical strengthening step resulting in improved scratch resistance, better durability, etc.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) August 30, 2024
Meanwhile, the insider suggests Samsung could be planning Fold SE specifically for the Chinese market. Mass production of the smartphone reportedly starts next month, with most units going to China and remaining in South Korea.
It seems a strategic move to counter Chinese phone makers on their own turf. South Korea and China are the markets with high volume foldable sales reported. Samsung may bring SE upgrades to future foldable in the global market next year.