This handy Gemini extension for Android is finally rolling out to all

Key Takeaways

• Gemini's Utilities extension allows handling tasks like alarms and media playback.
• Initially limited to some users, Google is now widely pushing the extension to all Android users.
• The extension enhances Gemini's functionality by allowing multiple commands, but it only works with English prompts.

Google unveiled a handy Utilities extension for Gemini in November of this year. The extension enables Gemini to handle basic tasks like managing alarms, controlling media playback, and more. Before the extension, Gemini had to rely on Google Assistant to process such commands. In typical Google fashion, the Utilities extension was initially only rolled out to a limited number of users. Almost a month later, Google is widely pushing the extension to all Android users.

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A tipster informed us about the broader public rollout of Gemini's Utilities extension. Several of my AP team members also got access to the extension on their phones. The extension did not initially appear on my Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but it popped up after a restart. It is enabled by default, so if rolled out to your account, you can start using it right away.

Besides asking Gemini to open apps, manage your alarms, etc., the Utilities extension enables the AI-powered assistant to handle multiple commands simultaneously.

As Google notes on the Utilities extension support page, it currently only works with English prompts. You must also have Gemini Apps Activity enabled for the extension to work. On the Pixel 9 series, the Utilities extension enables Gemini to search for screenshots in the Pixel Screenshots app.

The support page also highlights that Gemini will prefer Google's Clock app over any similar apps installed on your device. While Gemini can set alarms and timers in third-party apps, other advanced functionality is not available.

Utilities extension makes Gemini a lot more useful

On the lock screen, the Utilities extension enables Gemini to seamlessly manage tasks like setting or silencing alarms and timers, toggling the flashlight, Bluetooth, and Do Not Disturb mode, capturing photos, and more. The AI assistant can execute these actions even when your device is locked. The additional functionality enabled by the Utilities extension should make Gemini a true Google Assistant replacement for most users.

The Utilities extension's wider availability comes a few weeks after Google rolled out the Google Home Gemini extension to more people. Unlike the former, though, the Google Home extension is only available to users enrolled in its public preview program.

Thanks: Moshe