Make calls and send message without unlocking

   Gemini app rolling out 'make calls, send messages from locked screen' option

Google’s work on adding more basic features that make Gemini a good phone assistant continues today with the ability to place calls and send messages without unlocking your device. Google introduces a new feature in the latest beta version of the Google app, allowing users to make calls and send messages without unlocking their Android devices. In Gemini Settings > Gemini on Lock Screen, Google is rolling out a new “Make calls and send message without unlocking” setting. 

Under an equally new “Outgoing calls and message” heading, the page explains how “You’ll need to turn on your calling and messaging apps in Gemini for these features to work.” At the end of October, Google started rolling out new Gemini Extensions for “Phone” and “Messages.” It is reportedly enhancing the capabilities of its Gemini AI assistant on Android phones. According to a reports available, the Gemini assistant will soon enable users to make calls and send messages even when their smartphones are locked.

The update, which is included in the latest beta version of the Google app, introduces a new option titled “Make calls and send messages without unlocking” in the Gemini on Lock Screen settings. When activated, this feature will allow users to request the Gemini assistant to place a phone call or send a message without unlocking the device. Those Extensions are not yet widely available, but this new setting works without it by falling back to Assistant. On a device lacking this “without unlocking” preference, I have to “Please unlock to continue”.

With the new setting enabled, the call is immediately placed while phone is still locked. However, to enable this functionality, users must activate their calling and messaging apps within Gemini. Currently, Google only permits users to interact with the assistant for tasks like responding to queries, setting reminders and adding calendar events while the device is locked. The introduction of this feature will significantly expand Gemini's functionality. While Google has not yet confirmed the official rollout of this feature, the ability to make calls and send messages from the locked screen is expected to be more widely available in the near future. We  might see it with Google app 15.48 beta after a server-side update. 

In related news, last month, Google launched a Gemini extension for Spotify, allowing the AI assistant on Android to search and play music on the streaming platform. Users can prompt Gemini to search for or play specific songs, albums, artists, playlists and more. Google also offers similar integration for its YouTube Music platform.