Samsung is preparing to unveil the next generation of its smartwatches at the highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9. The Galaxy Watch 8 series is expected to bring several upgrades, and one of the most intriguing changes could be the introduction of Gemini as the voice assistant, replacing the classic Google Voice Assistant. This move marks a significant shift in how voice AI will function on Samsung’s wearable devices and aligns with Google's broader strategy of transitioning more platforms to Gemini.
Promo images shared by Roland Quandt on Bluesky appear to show the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a prompt reading “Ask Google Gemini,” indicating that Samsung is likely integrating Google’s latest AI assistant into the smartwatch series. The leaked image mirrors the familiar layout of Google’s Voice Assistant but under the new Gemini branding. Though Samsung has not officially confirmed this update, the visual and timing of the leak strongly suggest that the company is gearing up to make this change a headline feature during its upcoming product showcase.
This change would not be entirely unexpected. Google previously announced its plans to phase out the traditional Google Assistant on many devices, including wearables. According to recent reports, Google has begun updating its ecosystem by replacing its older assistant with Gemini, a more advanced AI model capable of multimodal interactions. This rollout is gradually expanding to devices such as headphones, cars, and now, seemingly, to smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 8 series.
The new Galaxy Watch 8 lineup is also expected to receive significant hardware upgrades. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is likely to feature a stainless steel build, a 1.34 inch display, and a robust 445mAh battery. It is rumored to be available in a single 46mm size and may ship with a Premium Hybrid Strap for a more sophisticated look. This model will reportedly run One UI 8 Watch on top of a 3nm Samsung Exynos processor, ensuring smoother performance and greater efficiency.
The standard Galaxy Watch 8 model is expected to arrive in two variants, one with a 40mm case and another with a 44mm case. The 40mm version may include a 1.34 inch screen and a 325mAh battery, while the 44mm version is tipped to feature a larger 1.47 inch display backed by a 425mAh battery. Both versions are likely to have an aluminium body and will be bundled with a Silicone Sports Bracelet, giving them a more casual and sporty appeal.
These details, although unofficial, point to Samsung’s clear focus on merging premium hardware with advanced AI powered software. The shift to Gemini would give the watches a smarter and more conversational assistant capable of understanding complex queries and performing a wider range of tasks. Whether it's managing your day, providing quick answers, or handling contextual commands, Gemini aims to redefine the voice assistant experience on wearables.
With the Galaxy Unpacked event just around the corner, excitement is building over how Samsung will position the Galaxy Watch 8 series in an increasingly competitive market. The inclusion of Gemini and a powerful 3nm chipset suggests that Samsung is aiming to set new standards in the smartwatch segment, blending innovation with usability.
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