Club Benefits
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Google’s Gemini AI just got a pretty useful upgrade on Android phones. As announced back at Google I/O 2024 earlier this year, it’s now possible to use the “Gemini on lock screen” feature. That means the chatbot can now answer general questions without making you unlock, or even touch, your phone first (via 9to5Google).
Previously Gemini was limited by whatever Google Assistant was capable of on the lock screen. Setting alarms, tinkering with some settings, controlling volume and media playback, things like that. Anything more elaborate and you’d need to unlock the phone first. That’s no longer the case for Gemini.
Why this is an important update
While it may seem like quite a small update, this should make Gemini considerably more useful in everyday life. Unlocking your phone can be a chore, especially if you don’t actually have your phone in your hand.
So not only can this change save you the effort of unlocking your phone, you should be able to ask Gemini questions from across the room. Let’s just hope your volume is high enough for you to actually hear the response.
That said you may come across things Gemini can’t do without some kind of user verification. So just be aware that this won’t be opening the floodgates and Gemini won’t be handing over sensitive information to anyone who asks. Which is the last thing anyone wants.
The feature is apparently still rolling out, so you may not be able to access it right away. Fortunately Google has a guide on how to turn the feature on and off, meaning you can check for yourself and start asking Gemini questions from the lock screen. Or turn it off again later, if you change your mind and decide it’s not worth the hassle.
More from Tom's Guide
- Google Pixel 9 Pro tipped for huge free AI upgrade
- YouTube Music adding AI-generated playlists and Shazam-like tool — here's how they work
- I tried Portrait Studio AI on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 — the good, the bad and the weird
