Android users may soon be able to choose different voices for Gemini

Google introduced a standalone Gemini app for Android earlier this year. It was initially available in the US and later expanded to over 100 countries.

The application, which is essentially the same chatbot available on gemini.google.com/app, has voice assistant functionality. When it was first released, the Assistant left out some key features, likely in favor of a more timely rollout. These included Google Assistant routines, reminders, an interpreter mode, support for podcasts, radio stations, music services, and more.

Some of these features ultimately made their way to Gemini, but a simple Reddit search reveals exactly what users were asking for: new assistant voices.

“Dear Google, please announce a new voice mode for Gemini”, “How do I change Gemini’s voice?”, “Voice options for Gemini Assistant”, “Custom voice for Gemini Assistant?” These are just some of the search results that come up at the top when you search for “Gemini voice Reddit” on Google Search. Users even describe the voice as a “horribly scratchy male voice” and say they “can’t stand that Gemini only has a male voice”. I would be pissed too, especially considering that OpenAI’s ChatGPT has (had) a number of voices, including an unlicensed Scarlett Johansson voice.

Google reportedly knows that new voices for Gemini are a highly requested addition that it needs to fulfill. A recent report from Android Authority pointed out that the latest beta version of the Google app (version 15.24.28.29.arm64) has a new “voice selection” option in the Google app’s settings, and now a similar option is appearing in the Gemini app as well.

New Gemini voices could soon become reality

The information comes from credible leaker @AssembleDebug on X (Twitter), who shared a screenshot of the Gemini settings, which appears to have a new “Gemini Voice” option. “Choose how you want your Gemini to sound,” the description says. According to AssembleDebud, tapping it opens a blank page, although the fact that it appears suggests that Android users will soon be able to use different voices for Gemini.

The latest beta version of Google Gemini (version 1.0.626720042) was released in April. I’m currently using this version on my device and I can’t see the new Gemini Voice option.

In the US, Google offers 12 different voices with its Google Assistant, so it’s unclear why the tech giant is taking so long to introduce similar functionality to Gemini, considering it’s pushing the latter on all fronts.

It is currently unknown how many new voices Gemini will receive, if any. The recent leak about a new “voice selection” option appearing in the settings of Google’s beta app suggests two new voices, namely Ruby and River.