Those of you who have used Google’s Gemini chatbot know that it can also function as a voice assistant. Unfortunately, unlike Google Assistant, Gemini can only communicate using a single voice. But that could soon change.
According to an AssembleDebug report on Android Authority, the latest version of the Google app beta has a “language selection” option in the settings. This option offers two new options called Ruby and River. Ruby is US English and is described as “warm,” while River is German and is described as “calm.”
Unfortunately, these voices do not produce any audible sound, and there is no way to estimate what new versions of the Google search voice (or their Gemini counterparts) might actually sound like.
Assemble Debug also posted a screenshot of the Gemini app on its X account showing a similar option. However, unlike the Google app, selecting this option appears to open a blank page. While it’s unclear when this might happen, this suggests that the company is preparing to introduce some additional language options to Gemini in the near future.
How many there are is also unclear, although it’s worth noting that there are currently 12 different language options available for Google Assistant in the US. Given that, it’s pretty odd that it’s taken Google this long to add new voices to Gemini.
With other services like ChatGPT-4o already introducing new voices for their AI, it’s no surprise that Google is looking to add more voices to Gemini in the near future. Google just needs to hurry up and get these options to users as soon as possible.
And ideally, not get into legal trouble, like OpenAI did after it was accused of using Scarlett Johansson’s voice without permission.