Google is also using “Gemini” as a catch-all for various AI functions, much in the same way that Microsoft uses Copilot as an AI brand. Google, like Microsoft, is pushing agentic AI, where various bits of autonomous AI work independently to pursue tasks.

Project Astra debuted at I/O 2024 as a next-generation AI assistant that can view the world around you, and provide advice and tips throughout the day. Since then, Astra has been incorporated into the camera and screen-sharing capabilities of the Gemini app and Google says it upgraded Astra's voice output to be more natural with native audio,