Google Enhances Messages with Gemini AI and Local Pixel 8 Production Begins in India - Google is rolling out its Gemini AI feature widely in Google Messages, following its announcement at I/O 2024, according to 9To5Google. Over the last few days, stable users have started gaining access to this innovative AI assistant, which appears as the first contact when starting a new chat.

After agreeing to the terms and conditions, users are greeted with a familiar messaging interface, complete with emoji and gallery options. While image uploads are supported, audio memos are not.

Gemini is designed to help with drafting messages, brainstorming, event planning, or simply having fun conversations. Its responses are concise. Unlike the old Google Assistant in Google Allo, Gemini is for one-on-one chats only and cannot be used in group conversations.

Gemini Extensions support features like Workspace (@Gmail, etc.), @YouTube, and @GoogleMaps, although YouTube Music is missing. Users can provide feedback on responses by long-pressing to give a thumbs up or down, and they can star or forward messages. Conversations with Gemini take place over RCS, which must be enabled, but these chats are not end-to-end encrypted. Additionally, Gemini cannot be accessed via the web version of Google Messages or the Wear OS app.

This global rollout excludes the EEA, UK, Switzerland, and India, but includes support for English and French in Canada. Gemini has been available to beta users since March.

Dixon Technologies Begins Pixel 8 Production Trials in India

In other news, Dixon Technologies has started trial production of Google's flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8, marking a significant shift in manufacturing to India. This move highlights Google's increasing focus on local production for its high-end devices.

Originally planned for the second quarter of 2024, the local manufacturing schedule for the Pixel 8 series appears to be ahead of schedule. Sources from the Economic Times report that the trial runs have begun, with the first Indian-assembled Pixel 8 units possibly hitting the market by September.

Big offer on Google Pixel 7 Pro, the phone is available here 21 thousand rupees cheaper

CERT-In Issues Major Warning for Google Chrome Users: Critical Vulnerabilities Detected

Google to Manufacture Pixel Phones in Tamil Nadu, Drones Next?