NEWS
How to access Gemini Extensions on the lock screen?
Google has released an update that will make it easier for users to access and use the Gemini AI assistant on their smartphones. Last week, Google released a major update to its Gemini AI assistant, allowing it to work with extensions directly on the lock screen.
However, Google upgraded Gemini for Android in July 2024 to give people the ability to perform tasks on the lock screen, allowing them to use the GenAI assistant without unlocking the device. However, it could not happen.
In a recent community post, Google announced that you can now use the Gemini extensions directly from the lock screen of your Android mobile device, including Galaxy phones! It means you can now perform the most commonly used interactions with Gemini without unlocking your device.
For example, when your Galaxy phone is locked, you can ask it to send a message to someone on WhatsApp, send an email to someone on Gamal, control a Google Home smart device, and even navigate to a location on Google Maps.
Also you can try your usual prompts on the lock screen
- “I’m planning a date night tonight, remind me to pick up some chocolates, strawberries and roses”
- “What time does the nearest Starbucks close at, and how long would it take me to get there?”
You can easily access the Gemini AI Assistant directly from your lock screen. To use this feature, you need to enable the Gemini extension. Here’s how:
First, launch the Gemini app and the Extensions and enable the extensions that you want to. Then, go to Gemini >> Settings >> Gemini on the lock screen and enable Use Gemini without unlocking and Make calls and send messages without unlocking.
However, Gemini will still require you to unlock it for certain functions, for example when responses include your personal content from apps.
Samsung is rolling out the May 2025 update for its Galaxy A56 smartphone, expanding Gemini side button support. The company is shipping this software update along with the latest security patch to improve the phone.
Samsung Galaxy A56 is receiving the May 2025 update with One UI version A566BXXU3AYDK and a package size of 325 megabytes. The update will be delivered in batches and may take some time to reach all users.
With the May 2025 update, Google Gemini is also more closely integrated with Samsung’s stock apps in the Galaxy A56, like Calendar, Notes, Reminder, and Clock. Users can now complete multiple tasks using one simple command.
Changelog:
- Press and hold the Side button to access Google Gemini
- The Side button is a new way to access Google Gemini or other digital assistant app quickly instead of using the corner swipe. You can change what the Side button does in Settings.
- Complete multiple tasks with one ask
- Google Gemini is now seamlessly integrated with Samsung apps such as Calendar, Notes, Reminder, and Clock. You can complete tasks in these apps using information from Gemini with one simple command. Try asking Google Gemini to ask about a YouTube video and save the result in Samsung Notes, or try asking Google Gemini to find your favorite sports team’s schedule and add the games to your calendar.
To install the latest update, Galaxy A56 users can go to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and install. The Korean tech giant will gradually make it available to all models.
Samsung has expanded the May 2025 security update for the Galaxy A56 to more countries, including Europe. Previously, the update was only available to users in India and South Korea, but now more Galaxy A56 users can take advantage of the new features.
Samsung Galaxy A35 users are getting the One UI 7 update based on Android 15. This update is currently live for users in Europe, and the company will expand it soon. This update is already available in South Korea.
The One UI 7 update for Samsung Galaxy A35 comes with One UI build version A356BXXU4BYDC. To install the update, users will have to download a package of around 2GB.
One UI 7 is a major upgrade that installs Android 15 on the GalaxyA35. Samsung has included the latest security improvements to protect privacy. The major update also brings tons of new features for users and a bold design revamp.
The One UI 7 software based on Android 15 features an all-new quick settings and notification panel. Also, the company has drastically changed the stock app icons with new design elements and dynamic colors as well as a UI with unified shapes.
To install the latest update, access the Software Update menu within System Settings. On this page, click Download and Install to start manual firmware detection. If an OTA is available, the download will start automatically.
Ahead of the One UI 8 beta version, Samsung has reportedly started testing a new version of its One UI software for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, which could be One UI 8.5. The first One UI test build has recently surfaced online, showing that Samsung is working on the software for its next S series flagship phone.
A reliable publication has discovered a hidden menu in the Phone app of Galaxy devices, providing a glimpse into Samsung’s plans for a custom One UI 8 and One UI 8.5.
In the One UI 8.5 menu, the Samsung Phone app brings two features, including Enable Screen Call for Global users and Enable Calendar birthday in incoming calls. This indicates that Samsung has started working on a new flagship phone with the updated One UI 8 software.
However, Samsung has not officially confirmed the release of One UI 8.5 yet, so we should take this information with a pinch of salt. Still, it’s clear that both the Galaxy S26 series will feature a new version of One UI.
Earlier rumors revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are expected to come with One UI 8.0 preinstalled. Following this, One UI 8.5 may first appear on the Galaxy S26 series.
We will have to wait for more updates from Samsung to know when these versions will be launched and what exact version of One UI they will run. Stay tuned for more details.
On the other hand, Samsung may start the Android 16-based One UI 8.0 beta program later this month, starting with the Galaxy S25 lineup.
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