Google’s Project Astra is an advanced AI assistant developed by DeepMind, designed to seamlessly integrate into daily life through devices like smartphones and prototype smart glasses. Leveraging the Gemini 2.0 multimodal language model, Astra processes and responds to various inputs—including text, images, video, and audio—in real time, enabling natural and fluid interactions.

Astra’s capabilities include real-time conversations with quick responses, memory retention of key details from past interactions (up to 10 minutes within a session), and the ability to utilize tools like Google Search, Maps, and Lens to provide informed answers. For instance, users can point their device’s camera at a bookshelf and ask Astra to identify the highest-rated book, to which it responds by analyzing the titles and retrieving online ratings.

Currently, Project Astra is in a testing phase with a select group of users, available on Android phones and prototype glasses. This testing aims to refine its functionalities and explore new applications for a universal AI assistant. Google plans to integrate some of Astra’s capabilities into its products, such as the Gemini app and web experience, later this year.

By combining advanced AI with user-friendly interfaces, Project Astra represents a significant step toward AI systems that can understand and interact with the world in a manner similar to humans, enhancing everyday experiences through intelligent assistance.

For a visual demonstration of Project Astra’s potential, you can watch the following video: