Android users will soon be able to let Gemini control device features and apps, reducing privacy concerns. existIn an email seen by Android Police, Google recently notified Gemini users that it will begin rolling out an update on July 7 that will allow the AI bot to "use Calls, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini app activity is turned on or not."
Disabling the Gemini Apps activity setting prevents chatbot conversations from being used to "provide, improve, develop, and personalize" Google products and artificial intelligence models. Currently, the setting also prevents users from asking Gemini to perform tasks in associated apps, such as setting alarms, calling contacts, sending WhatsApp messages, and controlling media playback settings.
The vague wording of Google's message initially caused some confusion, with people questioning whether the change would give Gemini unrestricted access to private data or system functionality. Google later clarified that Gemini's app connections can still be disabled at any time and that the update "will benefit users."
In a statement to Android Authority, Google said: "Users can now use Gemini to complete everyday tasks on their mobile devices, such as sending messages, making calls, and setting timers, but Gemini app activity is turned off. When Gemini app activity is turned off, their Gemini chat history will not be reviewed or used to improve our AI models."
The upcoming change means users can use Gemini as a personal assistant for their device without having to contribute anything to Google's AI training dataset. Gemini will also officially replace Google Assistant on Android devices later this year. Turning off App Activity will also prevent Gemini interactions from appearing in your activity log. However, Google notes that for security reasons, Gemini will still save conversations for up to 72 hours regardless of whether the setting is disabled.