On Samsung phones, you can call Google Assistant or Gemini with a command like ‘Hey Google’ or a swipe gesture. However, it is not possible to call Gemini or Google Assistant by holding down the power key; only Bixby can be used in this form. This seems to change with One UI 7. The latest version of the Google app for Android indicates that the power button can be used to launch Gemini instead of Bixby.
Similar to Google Assistant, Gemini is summoned by saying ‘Hey Google.’ However, the power button feature will be an impressive feature as part of improving the user experience.
The fact that the Google app now has code that informs the user how to summon Gemini by holding down the side button suggests that Samsung plans to add this functionality soon. It is not known exactly when this change will take place, but it is possible that it will be available in the upcoming One UI 7 release. We may even see it on the setup screen of the new Samsung Galaxy S25 series. In any case, it’s nice to see Samsung opening up the side button to alternative assistants.
