Google brings Gemini to Wear OS watches, adds AI Mode to Circle to Search

Google announced on Wednesday that it’s rolling out Gemini to Wear OS watches, nearly two months after teasing the move back in May. The tech giant is also adding new Circle to Search capabilities by integrating its AI Mode search experience directly into the feature and adding support for gaming-related queries. 

Gemini is rolling out to watches from Pixel, Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, and Xiaomi that are running Wear OS 4+ over the coming weeks, the company says. The announcement is part of Google’s plans to replace Google Assistant with Gemini across all of its devices and platforms.

To start talking to Gemini, users need to say, “Hey, Google,” press and hold the side button on their watch, or tap on the Gemini app icon on their watch screen.

Users will be able to ask Gemini questions like, “For how long should I roast sliced vegetables, and at what temperature?” when busy cooking with messy hands. Or a user could ask, “Do I need an umbrella today?” when heading out the door. 

Additionally, users can utilize Gemini to complete tasks across multiple apps. For example, a user could ask Gemini to “Summarize my last email from Emily” or “Add my son’s next five baseball games to my calendar.” 

Google notes that users can ask Gemini to remember important details such as “Remember I parked on level 4, spot 27” or “Remind me to go grocery shopping after work.”

As for the new Circle to Search capabilities, Google says it’s making it easier to explore information to get quick help. Launched last year, Circle to Search allows users to initiate a Google search by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on something they see on their screen.

Now users will be able to use AI Mode’s advanced reasoning to dig into complex topics and ask follow-up questions, all without switching apps.

After starting a search with Circle to Search, an AI Overview will appear in the results. From there, users can scroll to the bottom and tap “Dive deeper with AI Mode” to ask follow-up questions and explore more about the visual search.

The company is also making it easier to use AI Mode in Google Lens, as it’s now available through the Google app on both Android and iOS. The capability is now available in the U.S. and India.

In addition, Google says users can now use Circle to Search when gaming on mobile. For example, you could leverage Circle to Search to identify a new character or find a winning strategy when playing a game. 

Google also announced that it’s making AI Overviews more helpful, as responses are now better formatted and easier to read. The tech giant notes that AI Overviews can break down key information and include more visuals.

Last, Google announced that Pixel 9 Pro owners get a full year of the company’s Google AI Pro subscription for free. This includes access to Veo 3, which lets you describe an idea and to generate a short video with natural audio.