What I hate most about this is the lack of control over this it implies. Sure, maybe you don’t install this on your device, but all that’s needed for Google to access your messages now is for someone you message to have it installed and enabled, then anything you send to them will be gobbled up by Google.
If the Gemini app is not installed, it can't do this right
Gemini was automatically installed for me, and the app connections were all enabled, like the article describes. Better check and be safe than to be sorry
Same, but somehow there was a warning and a possibility to switch back to Google assistant instead, which I did
It keeps changing back to Gemini on its own for me even if I don't use the assistant at all.
This is my assumption too. It's disabled for me. I have no plans to change that.
I'm rather confused. I don't have any app called Gemini installed, but despite this "Hey Google" brings up Gemini. So I have no app to disable, and no way to turn off interaction with other apps. This is on a Samsung A55 in Europe, happily taking advice on how to proceed.
My four year old low-end test device running Android had its assistant switched out from Google Assistant to Gemini. I was very surprised since I'd assumed that the vendor had stopped supporting it since it was so cheap, but it updated anyway.
Google Play is separate from Android. Google likely updates it through that route, rather than relying on manufacturers.
Exactly. It is an odd advice - disable something you had to install first just to disable?
It installed itself as part of an update package.
I was fully expecting that, but since enshittification recently intensified (Android 15's bluetooth settings are a giant step back in usability), neither google play nor system in general nor anything from motorola has internet access on my phone, I send everything through RethinkVPN (from f-droid) and block all internet access except for apps that I explicitly allow. I'm just not updating anything except periodically Signal, IronFox and PipePipe.
In the case of my fully updated pixel 9 pro XL, Gemini was installed from the factory. I uninstalled it and installed Google Assistant. It has not re-installed itself for me, and further, I would recommend that if you don't use Gemini, you uninstall it.
This may change once the July patch hits but. As of right now it's not currently installed.
In my case (Galaxy S21) I can only disable it, not uninstall.
Update of what? Android or something else?
It must be an Android update as that's all I ever do, and I never installed Gemini. I just checked and it was there, with permissions to access WhatsApp and multiple other apps. I just removed all the permissions and disabled the app. We'll see if any future updates turn it back on.
Shhhhhneeeeeky bastards.
Me on my de-googled phone:
Yeah, and it's presumptious of them to access the WhatsApp account I don't have...
And to want to access my calendars to book appointments for flights I can't afford
For those on Pixel devices, check out GrapheneOS. If not CalyxOS or LineageOS
Its important that we have devices that we control. If your phone doesn't allow bootloader unlock so you can install a different operating system, that's a problem. Claims that security is compromised if bootloaders can be unlocked are just companies using a convenient excuse to maintain control over a device you paid for.
The whole reason GrapheneOS develops only for Pixels is that you can relock the bootloader though, right? (Along with other security features)
Anyway yeah companies still suck for not letting you relock them.
I don't believe that's a pixel specific benefit but yes relocking the bootloader is best for security. The unlocking process is needed to install an alternative OS though.
It's actually a whole list of requirements. https://grapheneos.org/faq#future-devices
The reason they don't want you to unlock your bootloader is because of security....
...security of their revenue stream, that is.
Pixel has a built in feature that screens my calls and sends spammers to a bot. Graphene has no equivalent to this.
In order for that feature to work, you need to give google permission to see who's calling you and when activated (and possibly even when not activated) listen to the phone conversation. That data is going back to google servers for processing. Gemini is also feeding off of that data. If you're concerned with the original post regarding WhatsApp data being fed to Gemini, why would you be okay with allowing google to listen in on your phone conversations, all for the small convenience of avoiding spam bots?
If you have voicemail and caller ID, just don't pickup the call if it isn't from a known contact.
If you're also thinking that google isn't collecting data without your consent, they literally just got fined 300+ million for doing exactly that.
They'd have to install it first.
Google play services says bonjour
Yes, but the phones of all your peers will have that shit on them.
My gf got one of those emails, but she doesnt have the Gemini app installed on her phone. All of the instruction articles I can find only explain how to turn it off if you have the app.
Does not having the app mean that she's safe from this, or does it mean that she needs to download the app to disable the "feature"?
Not that I support this, but hasn't Google Assistant been able to do that for years? Sending texts via the voice assistant has been, like, one of the main selling points.
If I have the app disabled it probably can't do anything right?
Good thing I don't have that shit on my phone (at least until Google forces it)
The people you're messaging might, though.
Is this a US only thing? I have no email and no Gemini app (although there are settings in system)
Signal is also a great alternative to WhatsApp. Molly for the extra privacy focused.
Oh hell nah
Don't go and manually install it.
The misinformation about this has been wild.
I can't find Gemini on my phone.
Kinda seems fucking stupid
Hopefully unintalling and disabling is actually doing something. I feel like they are just tricking us and you can't really disable it.
This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.
