Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google is testing a brand new AI button on the lock display screen that sits beneath the fingerprint reader.
- It’s not clear what the AI button is for because it’s at the moment not useful, although.
- It’s doable it’ll be used to launch some Gemini-related characteristic sooner or later, however it’s additionally doable the button is simply to assist with testing.
Google goes all-in on generative AI out of worry that lacking out on the hype prepare will injury its search dominance. Its Gemini assistant and enormous language mannequin type its key asset within the generative AI battle, and due to its management over Android, it’s been capable of get Gemini in entrance of a ton of customers actually shortly. Google is constantly experimenting with new methods to carry Gemini to extra customers, and its newest experiment entails placing a devoted button proper on the Android lock display screen.
Proper now, there are a few methods to entry the Gemini chatbot on Android. On most Android telephones, you may lengthy press the ability button to invoke the default assistant, which is Google Assistant on older units and Gemini on newer ones. You may also invoke the default assistant by urgent and holding the house button (in the event you’re utilizing three-button navigation) or swiping up from the nook (in the event you’re utilizing gesture navigation). Lastly, you may say a wake-word phrase like “Hey Google” or “OK Google” to invoke the default assistant hands-free.
Hidden in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 is a flag that permits what I presume will probably be a fourth option to invoke the default assistant, i.e. Gemini. This flag controls the presence of a button on the lock display screen that, when tapped, doesn’t do something proper now. The button is pill-shaped and sits proper beneath the fingerprint reader. It’s bigger than the 2 lock display screen shortcuts on the backside and has a sparkle icon within the center.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
The flicker icon is often related to generative AI options and can be utilized in Gemini’s icon. That’s why I believe the button has one thing to do with Gemini despite the fact that it’s at the moment not useful in Android 15. Nonetheless, I don’t know what the button is definitely purported to do or if it’s truly one thing that Google intends to ship. It’s doable this button solely exists as a manner for Google engineers to experiment with upcoming AI options in Android 16, no matter these could also be.
Android 16 is about to be launched someday in Q2 of subsequent 12 months with main UI modifications to notifications and Fast Settings in addition to an Superior Safety mode. Given Google’s emphasis on AI this 12 months, there’s little doubt that Android 16 will introduce new AI options of some sort. Placing an AI button proper on the lock display screen would offer fast entry to these options, however it will additionally make the lock display screen really feel a bit cluttered. What do you concentrate on the potential addition of an AI button on the Android lock display screen? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
