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Google's next Gemini trick could change how you use Android XR glasses
Oct 16, 2026 — 2:54 AM ET
- Google is working on a new “Hey Gemini” hotword for Android XR glasses.
- It could also let Gemini automatically turn on the camera to answer questions about the wearer’s surroundings.
- Google will likely let users disable the automatic camera activation feature.
What started off with “Hey Google” and “Ok Google” for Google Assistant now looks like it is heading toward “Hey Gemini.” Google has been transitioning away from Google Assistant, and we recently spotted clues that a new hotword might be in the works, too. Now, we’re seeing clear evidence that Google is working on a “Hey Gemini” hotword for Android XR glasses.
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Digging through the latest version of the Google app, we found strings pointing toward a new “Hey Gemini” hotword for Android XR devices. We also found evidence that Gemini on Android XR could access your camera feed to answer questions about your environment.
Some of the strings we uncovered suggest that Google will let users say either “Hey Google” or “Hey Gemini” to activate their AI assistant. It will also let users say “Ok Google” to start a conversation.
Other strings suggest that the “Hey Gemini” hotword won’t be enabled by default and will require “Wear Detection” to be turned on for the XR device. According to the strings, users will find the option to enable the new hotword within the Glasses preferences.
It also seems Google will prioritize your glasses for conversations with Gemini while you’re wearing them. This could prevent both your smartphone and your Android XR glasses from activating when you say “Hey Gemini” to start a conversation.
We also found strings pointing to a neat camera integration for Gemini on Android XR. Per the strings, Android XR glasses will let users ask things like “What plant am I looking at?” Gemini will be able to turn on the camera and “see” what you’re looking at to answer questions about it.
If you’re concerned about the privacy implications of this feature, you’ll be glad to know that Google will likely let you turn it off. Even with automatic camera activation turned off, you may be able to use Gemini’s camera features simply by saying “turn on the camera” or “turn off the camera.”
Here are all the strings we found related to the “Hey Gemini” hotword and the camera integrations:
<string name="assistant_robin_bisto_settings_hotword_disabled_dialog_message">To enable “Hey Gemini”, go to Glasses preferences and turn Wear detection on</string>
<string name="assistant_robin_bisto_settings_hotword_fusion_subtitle_text">When you’re wearing them, your glasses take priority over your phone to start a hands-free conversation by saying “Hey Gemini” or “Hey Google”</string>
<string name="assistant_robin_bisto_settings_hotword_fusion_title_text">“Hey Gemini”</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_bullet_1">“Hey Gemini” requires wear detection to be on</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_bullet_2">Without “Hey Gemini,” you can still get help from Gemini</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_bullet_3">You can also say, “Hey Google” or “OK Google” to start</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_bullet_4">"Gemini may activate accidentally, such as if there's a noise that sounds like “Hey Gemini”"</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_bullet_5">Change these options anytime in Gemini settings</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_description">Once you have your glasses on, say “Hey Gemini” or “Hey Google” to start a Live conversation</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_info_header">Gemini will stand by to hear “Hey Gemini”</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_fusion_title">Say “Hey Gemini” to start a conversation</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_hotword_title">Say “Hey Gemini” to start a conversation</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_oobe_camera_activation_v2_animation_text">What kind of plant am I looking at?</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_oobe_camera_activation_v2_description">"Gemini can turn the camera on when it detects you're asking visual questions about your surroundings. Turn this off any time in settings."</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_oobe_camera_activation_v2_disclaimer">Without automatic activation, you can still control the camera manually: Double-press the camera button or say “turn the camera on” or “turn the camera off.”</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_oobe_camera_activation_v2_title">Gemini can activate the camera automatically</string>
<string name="assistant_bisto_oobe_camera_activation_v2_unexpected_disclaimer">If Gemini activates the camera unexpectedly, you can turn it off manually.</string>The new “Hey Gemini” hotword could also make its way to smartphones. Although Google is currently adding it as an option alongside the “Hey Google” and “Ok Google” hotwords we’ve all become accustomed to, I wouldn’t be surprised if it removed the other phrases in favor of “Hey Gemini” in the near future.
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