Gemini Now Accessible Via Side Button on Samsung Galaxy A Series Phones

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday announced that select Galaxy A series devices will feature the ability to activate Google's AI-powered assistant directly through the side button.  

With this update, users can activate Gemini by pressing and holding the side button. This allows them to access powerful AI functions, resulting in a more inventive and intuitive experience. This feature was previously exclusive to Galaxy S series devices. 

The company introduced ‘Awesome Intelligence’ on the latest Galaxy A series – Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. 

“Samsung and Google have worked together to deliver seamless, intuitive, and meaningful AI experiences that make the latest technology more accessible to more users,” said Jay Kim, executive VP at Samsung Electronics.

"We're excited that Galaxy A series users will now be able to activate Gemini faster and more naturally through a simple gesture that brings intelligent support into the flow of daily tasks," he added regarding the collaboration of Google and Samsung.

With faster access to Gemini, consumers can now get assistance with routine chores like arranging last-minute dinner preparations. The company illustrated this with an example – by simply saying, "Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby." Users can get immediate suggestions, all without typing a word. Therefore, the feature offers a more intuitive and hands-free way to navigate daily challenges.

The update will be rolled out globally in early May 2025, initially for Galaxy A series devices running the company’s latest One UI 7 operating system based on Android. 

Samsung has been proactive in integrating AI-powered features in its devices over the last few years. The recently released flagship S25 series phones are equipped with a wide range of AI features like Cross App Action for multitasking, Circle to Search for quick information lookup, Audio Eraser for cleaner video sound, and Now Brief for personalised daily updates.

Recently, during Google’s antitrust hearing in a lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice, Bloomberg reported that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is paying Samsung an "enormous" amount of money every month to pre-install Gemini on phones and devices.