Triggering Gemini via the power button is frustrating. There exists a superior alternative.
I have numerous aspects I appreciate about the new Razr Ultra 2025, and one of the latest features I was most eager to explore was the AI Key. I envisioned it opening a realm of possibilities, serving as an effortless way to access the multitude of AI capabilities Motorola has integrated into its Moto AI suite. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired, and quite honestly, the AI Key often feels like an afterthought when it could have easily served as Motorola’s Action Button.
Its shortcomings become increasingly obvious as we inhabit a world where AI is gaining prominence. Motorola’s approach does not quite compare to Google or Samsung, but it represents a solid initial step. Nonetheless, I believe the AI Key is a brilliant concept when executed properly, and both Google and Samsung would be remiss not to consider adding something akin to it in their forthcoming devices.
Moto AI limitations
Motorola is attempting to put its unique twist on AI, featuring its own Moto AI chatbot. You might liken it to a conversational, albeit somewhat less functional, Gemini or even Bixby. It answers queries and responds in a relatively natural manner, yet it lacks the ability to perform much on the phone, undermining the purpose of having an AI assistant/chatbot. While Moto AI is a fair offering, it still falls short compared to Google’s AI or Samsung’s Galaxy AI.
On the Razr Ultra 2025, you can personalize the AI Key to activate the Moto AI overlay through a long press. Regrettably, that’s the sole option for the long press, which seems like a significant oversight. You can’t assign it to another digital assistant, despite Motorola literally equipping the Razr Ultra 2025 with a variety of options. It’s strictly Moto AI or nothing.
Alright, fine, I’ll utilize Moto AI. It’s not a big deal. The issue arises when I press the AI Key to invoke Moto AI, requiring me to subsequently press the mic button to communicate with Moto AI, which is the usual case. This contrasts with how Gemini operates when initiated using the power button or a corner swipe on the screen; it immediately begins listening to you. The necessity to press another button to converse with Moto AI adds an extra seemingly redundant step, which feels cumbersome.
This likely relates to Moto AI automatically assessing what’s on your display upon activation, allowing it to offer suggestions on your next actions. However, I don’t understand why it can’t perform that function while also allowing me to speak to it simultaneously.
When I activate Gemini with a YouTube video open, for instance, it recognizes that I’m viewing a video and presents options like “Ask about video” or “Talk Live about video,” yet I still have the option to initiate conversation when triggered automatically. This aspect significantly enhances Gemini’s accessibility, highlighting why the “AI Key” should encompass more than just Motorola’s AI features.
In that regard, the only other choice when personalizing the AI Key is a Double tap, which solely allows you to activate Catch Me Up and Remember This. Nothing further. This equates to a total of three functions available from the AI Key between a double press and a long press. It appears to be a complete waste of hardware.
Samsung was on the right track
For a time, Samsung devices included an additional Bixby Key, which at the time, felt as if the company was attempting to impose Bixby on us. I recall not being fond of this move, as I felt Bixby always played second banana to Google Assistant. However, as AI gains traction and improves, I wish Samsung hadn’t eliminated this button from its Galaxy devices and hope the company considers reinstating it.
The Bixby button may have been introduced as a straightforward means to access Bixby, yet the company afforded users some degree of built-in customization. One gesture, either a single tap or double tap, could be assigned to open an app of your choice or trigger a Routine, while the other would be designated for Bixby.
Moreover, users discovered methods to sideline Bixby entirely through third-party applications like Tasker, enabling them to activate Google Assistant instead. This is something I’ve explored for the Razr Ultra 2025, but thus far, I’ve had little success.
Nevertheless, Samsung had the right idea by providing users with choices concerning the button while maintaining its primary function. However, Samsung isn’t the only manufacturer experimenting with an AI button, as more OEMs are beginning to incorporate it into their latest smartphones.
The Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro launched with a new Essential Key that works alongside the company’s new Essential Space. One
