"Hey Google" has long been a common phrase among Android phone users seeking hands-free assistance. However, recent announcements from Google and Samsung have hinted at a significant change in the way we interact with these devices. In the context of Samsung's Project Moohan headset and Android XR-powered smart glasses, a modified "Hey Gemini" hotword has emerged. For instance, in a demo video where a user orders from a Korean takeout place, she calls out "Hey Gemini" instead of "Hey Google," and the assistant then assists in figuring out her needs and placing an order without any mention of Google.

Why the Move to "Hey Gemini"?

Gemini is rapidly gaining popularity as the helper of choice on Android phones. Its more capable AI-powered features set it apart from Google Assistant, and it is also a newer technology. While Google is widely known, calling to Gemini seems to align more with the future of mobile interaction.

It will take time for Google Assistant to completely fade away. It has been integrated into phones for nearly a decade, and users are unlikely to upgrade immediately. Additionally, Google Assistant has app integrations like music streamers that Gemini currently lacks access to.

Project Moohan is set to launch in 2025, perhaps at the rumored Galaxy Unpacked event in January. This is two years after its initial announcement, and it is expected to bring significant changes to the mobile interaction landscape.

The Impact on the Tech Industry

The arrival of Project Moohan and the open-source Android XR has opened the door for other companies to explore spatial computing. It is inevitable that more competitors will enter the market, and 2025 looks like a promising year for AR/VR.

We are excited to try out Project Moohan and see how it competes with the Apple Vision Pro. Its potential to revolutionize mobile interaction is significant, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the coming years.

As Android XR continues to gain momentum, we can expect to see more innovative products and features that push the boundaries of what is possible in mobile technology.