BoAt brings Google Gemini-powered AI to next-gen smart audio devices

NEW DELHI: Smart audio is getting a smarter sidekick. boAt is teaming up with Google Cloud to bring Google Gemini-powered artificial intelligence to its next-generation range of smart audio devices under the Crest AI platform.

The partnership between Google Cloud and Imagine Marketing, boAt’s parent company, is aimed at turning audio devices into more conversational, personalised and useful companions.

At the centre of the offering is Gemini Live, which will allow users to have natural, voice-driven conversations with Crest AI-enabled devices. Rather than responding only to simple commands, the devices are designed to understand context, regional nuances and more complex queries in real time.

Crest AI is being positioned as a broader AI platform rather than simply another voice assistant. The technology is expected to support general voice queries, device controls, music playback, productivity tasks, language translation and frequently asked questions.

The devices will also integrate with Google Workspace, allowing users to interact with services such as Gmail, Google Tasks and Google Calendar through voice.

For instance, users could ask the device to help respond to an email or schedule a meeting without having to reach for a phone or computer.

The integration is intended to make boAt’s audio products more useful beyond music and calls, effectively turning them into hands-free productivity tools.

The Crest AI platform will include Crest Translate, designed to provide real-time, two-way translation and help users communicate across languages.

Another feature, Crest Ask, will bring conversational AI into everyday listening. Users will be able to ask questions, learn about topics, brainstorm ideas or simply interact with the device through natural conversation.

The company said the use of Google’s infrastructure and Gemini Live’s multimodal capabilities will allow Crest AI devices to handle India’s linguistic diversity, including different regional dialects and nuances.

That focus could be particularly significant in India, where voice and vernacular interfaces are increasingly being seen as a way to make advanced AI accessible to a wider audience.

The collaboration marks a shift in how consumer audio devices are being positioned. Instead of functioning primarily as headphones, earbuds or speakers, Crest AI-powered products are being designed as an interface for interacting with AI throughout the day.

boAt CEO Gaurav Nayyar said the company is moving beyond basic voice assistants towards conversational agents that can handle voice queries, device control, music, productivity, translation and customer support.

For Google Cloud, the partnership adds another consumer-facing use case for Gemini, with boAt aiming to take the technology to millions of users across India.

Google Cloud India managing director Sashi Sreedharan said voice and vernacular capabilities represent an important next frontier for AI adoption in India.

With Crest AI, boAt is betting that the next generation of smart audio will not just listen to users, but understand them too.