Google Messages begins integrating Gemini, the chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This deployment is currently limited to certain Android users in 165 countries around the world. In this list, France is absent: here is (probably) why.
As announced at the end of February, Gemini is coming to Google Messages. 9to5Google now reports that the rollout is underway: the latest beta version of the app features the chatbot. But only certain countries can take advantage of the features offered by Gemini in Google Messages.
Indeed, Google has revealed a list of 165 countries eligible for the functionality. Unsurprisingly, all European Union (EU) countries are excluded from the deployment, notably France. Obviously it is too complicated for Google at the moment to integrate these functionalities in compliance with European legislation.
Google Messages does not integrate Gemini due to European regulations
The supranational organization has adopted some strong regulations against GAFAM in recent times. On March 13, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a new law on artificial intelligence by a large majority. A first in the world, this legislation could constitute an obstacle in the EU to large American companies in the AI sector.
However, this law has not yet come into force. Other legal obstacles to integrating Gemini into Google Messages would be the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA recently entered into force. This text introduces stricter rules for large companies like Google: enough to complicate the wanderings of the chatbot in other applications.
Read > Google Messages: this new feature will simplify photo sharing
Even if you live outside the EU, it’s not yet a given. The conditions for taking advantage of Gemini in Google Messages are drastic. You will first need to be equipped with one of the following smartphones:
- Pixel 6 (or newer model)
- Pixel Fold
- Samsung Galaxy S22, S23 and S24 ranges
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or Z Fold
As usual, the Pixels are the playground for Google’s latest innovations, but also Samsung’s Galaxy. If you have one of these models this is just the beginning, you will also need:
- Set English as phone language.
- Have a personal Google account.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have RCS enabled as your messaging protocol.
Once the latest beta version of the application is installed with these conditions met, a button to start a new chat with the chatbot should appear. Tapping on it will open Google Messages to chat with Gemini. You can then interact with the assistant as you would in the app or on the web portal.
- The Gemini chatbot is starting to roll out in the Google Messages beta.
- France is not eligible as are EU countries, probably due to European legislation.
- In the rest of the world, you will need a recent Pixel or Samsung Galaxy to take advantage of it.
Source: 9to5Google
