During my initial interaction with Gemini on the Pixel Watch, I was amused to learn about a pastry humorously referred to as “nun’s farts.” This unexpected revelation bodes well for my experience with the device.
The response was fitting, considering I had inquired about pastries with whimsical names at the prompting of my curious 3-year-old. My immediate reaction was laughter, quickly followed by a thought: “Is that actually a thing?” This highlights a notable disadvantage of having AI technology so accessible.
Google’s recent Wear OS update introduces Gemini Assistant to smartwatches for the first time. I expected to navigate through app updates to integrate it with my Pixel Watch 2, but to my surprise, it installed automatically and announced itself via a notification.
Having Gemini readily available on my Android phone has become second nature.
Despite the known flaws and occasional inaccuracies of AI assistants, I’ve grown accustomed to utilizing Gemini while using my Android phone. I typically avoid asking it to handle tasks like vacation planning or shoe shopping, which seem to be the focus of many AI companies. However, I find its assistance invaluable for inquiries requiring more depth than a simple Google search can provide. Interestingly, I often think of questions suited for Gemini when I lack direct access to my device, such as when I’m in the car or cooking. Now, with Gemini practically on my wrist, those moments of inaccessibility are behind me.
I began my testing with a simple question I believed I knew the answer to: “Is it really necessary to scrub this sweet potato if I plan to peel it?” My husband chimed in from the other room, confirming I should, and Gemini echoed the same sentiment. Point taken.
Gemini also performed well with another query: “Where can I find coffee nearby?” It provided an extensive list of shops, placing two of my favorites at the top. When I requested navigation to the nearest place, it promptly activated Google Maps. Additionally, it accurately recognized a request for a “fancy, third-wave coffee shop” in a different area. Impressive results all around.
When I tested Gemini’s calendaring capabilities, the results were mixed. It could easily add a new event and even located the details of my next flight when queried. However, it incorrectly indicated that there was nothing scheduled for the following day, despite my calendar showing otherwise. Furthermore, it lacked access to shared events on others’ calendars, which illustrates the challenges of managing multiple Google Calendars.
My inquiry regarding the ferry schedule yielded an unsatisfactory response. When I asked about the next ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Gemini provided an answer that was off by 35 minutes. While I wouldn’t typically depend on Gemini for such information, the limitations of having a smartwatch mean it often is the only accessible option. With its small display and no web browser, verifying or contextualizing the information provided is difficult. The disclaimer stating “Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it” underscores the need for caution with a tool that tends to generate inaccuracies.
Although it’s likely that my phone is nearby while I interact with Gemini on my watch, it’s still important to recognize that previous conversations with the AI are logged in the Gemini app on my phone. If the phone isn’t too far away, verifying the information is relatively easy. However, considering how infrequently users delve into sources provided with AI-generated summaries during web searches, one might question how many will take the time to validate what Gemini says.
A considerable amount of trust is necessary to rely on technology known for inaccuracies.
One perspective seems unavoidable: I will likely utilize Gemini on my watch frequently. The convenience of immediate access for casual inquiries has become my norm, and this unrestricted access may encourage me to ask even more complex questions. I prefer to think that I can discern when to verify sources rigorously, but perhaps that is an overestimation.
I doubt I am the only one inclined toward such convenience. Initially, when I started using my watch with the standard Google Assistant for simple inquiries—questions answerable through a basic web search—my husband, who typically shies away from technology, took notice. Now, he often tells me to “Ask your watch” whenever he has a question while his phone is out of reach. Once people experience the ease of getting quick answers without any physical effort, they start to recognize those questions and utilize the assistant accordingly. Just be sure to verify that ferry schedule, though.
