Android users will soon receive an update enabling Gemini to manage device features and applications with enhanced privacy protections. According to an email obtained by Android Police, Google announced that effective July 7th, Gemini will have the capability to interact with Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on users’ phones, independent of the Gemini Apps Activity setting.
When the Gemini Apps activity option is disabled, conversations with the chatbot are not utilized to “provide, enhance, develop, and personalize” any Google products or AI models. This setting also restricts the use of Gemini for tasks within connected applications, such as setting alarms, making calls, sending messages via WhatsApp, and adjusting media playback controls.
Initially, the wording of Google’s announcement led to some uncertainty regarding whether the update would permit unlimited access for Gemini to personal information or system capabilities. Subsequently, Google clarified that users can still deactivate Gemini’s app connections whenever desired, asserting that the update is designed to enhance user experience.
Google emphasized, “They can now use Gemini to accomplish everyday tasks on their mobile devices—such as sending messages, making calls, and setting timers—while having Gemini Apps Activity disabled,” according to a statement provided to Android Authority. “With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, their conversations with Gemini are not analyzed or used to improve our AI models.”
This forthcoming modification will allow users to leverage Gemini as a personal assistant on their devices without contributing data for AI training. This change coincides with Gemini’s upcoming role as a replacement for Google Assistant on Android devices later this year. Additionally, disabling Apps Activity will prevent Gemini interactions from being logged in activity records, though Google will continue to retain conversations for a period of up to 72 hours for security reasons, irrespective of the setting status.
