We have found a new voice selection feature in the Google app version 15.24.28.29.arm64 beta. This feature allows users to choose between two new voices, Ruby and River. It is unclear if these voices will be specific to Gemini or shared with Google Assistant. As the competition between ChatGPT and Gemini for AI supremacy heats up, the focus now appears to be on evolving these generative AI models into all-knowing voice assistants like JARVIS from the Marvel Universe.
Google’s Gemini has not previously offered the ability to select different voices for its voice responses, but that could change soon. An APK teardown can provide insights into upcoming features based on code in progress, but it’s possible that these predicted features may not make it to a public release.
In the latest beta version of the Google app on Android, we discovered a new voice selection option within the “Voice” settings. This feature allows users to choose their preferred voice for speech responses for Search, with Ruby and River as the options. However, tapping on these voices does not produce any sound, so it’s uncertain if they are new voices or renamed versions of existing Google Assistant voices.
Notably, the Google app has separate settings for Google Assistant and Gemini. Google Assistant already offers a voice selection option with 12 voices, while Gemini currently lacks this feature. The new voice selection feature is found under general settings, not specifically in the Gemini section, leaving uncertainty about whether these voices are exclusive to Gemini or part of a broader voice selection process for both assistants.
It is likely that if Gemini receives voice selection, it will expand beyond two voices. OpenAI has showcased the vocal capabilities of ChatGPT 4o, with one voice even causing controversy for its resemblance to Scarlett Johansson. Have a tip? Contact us at news@androidauthority.com to share information anonymously or receive credit for your tip.