Gemini is now available in Google Messages

  Gemini AI  in Google Messages for Samsung Galaxy S24, S23 and S22 series

A month ago, Google announced that Gemini would soon be coming to Google Messages, helping users with things like writing messages, brainstorming ideas, planning events, making dinner with a set of given ingredients, or just chatting. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Now, almost a month later, Gemini is finally here on the messaging platform. It appears that "soon" has arrived, as the feature has started rolling out to some beta users.

Google Messages has begun testing an AI chatbot Gemini for select beta testers with Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. This feature allows users to communicate with Gemini AI to compose messages, generate ideas, organize events or simply engage in conversation. To get access, Google's support page states that you will need to be signed up as a beta tester, have RCS turned on and be at least 18. If your account is controlled by Family Link, you can't use Gemini. Currently, this feature is only for some beta testers of the Google Messages app, but it may be offered to more users later. The beta version is available for users with certain Samsung Galaxy and Pixel phones. Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy Z series smartphones are eligible for testing Gemini AI in the Google Messages app. In addition, Pixel 6 or newer and  Pixel Fold are also eligible.

To access the chatbot, click on the button to start a new chat, and the app will show you the option to interact with Gemini right before the contacts list starts. Tap on it and Google Messages will open the chat with the chatbot. You can then interact with Gemini as you would in the chatbot’s app or web portal. In Google’s words, you can “draft messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or simply have a fun conversation.”

To access the latest feature, you will need to have a personal Google account, have the language set to English, be in one of the 165 countries, and have a Pixel 6 or newer device from Google. Beta testers will check the option to chat with Gemini in their Google Messages app. Firstly, users need to set it up with guided instructions. They can ask Gemini for help with various tasks and these conversations are kept for three days but can be removed at any time. To use this feature, the phone’s language must be set to English or French for those in Canada, and users must be adults with a personal Google Account and RCS chats enabled. 

Unfortunately, even if you meet all the above criteria, there's no way to sign up or request the feature. You just have to wait. Once Google deems you worthy, you'll get a message from Gemini letting you know it's available. You can then enable the feature by selecting Gemini from the top of the contacts list in Google Messages. Following is the list of a few examples of possible conversations you can have with Gemini:-

Suggest a 3-course dinner menu that's impressive but manageable for a novice cook. Dietary restriction: vegetarian. 

Haven't reached out to my friend in a while. Help me draft a short message to check in and reconnect.

Going to a social event where we barely know anyone. Come up with a few interesting conversation starters.

You will also be able to send images to Gemini and ask for more information, perhaps to identify a plant or a dish. Gemini can't identify images with people in them just yet, even if the person is only a small part of, and not the focus of, a given photo.