Google has announced that it will be phasing out Google Assistant in favor of a new AI system called Gemini. By the end of the year, the company plans to upgrade most mobile devices to Gemini. However, older devices that have limited processing capabilities may still have access to Google Assistant for the time being. The transition marks a shift from relying on basic voice commands to engaging in more conversational, AI-driven interactions.
Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini will feature capabilities such as multimodal conversations and advanced research tools. The rollout of Gemini isn’t limited to mobile devices; tablets, cars, and other connected devices, including smart speakers and TVs, will also receive upgrades. Although the upgrades for home devices may happen later, the company is committed to expanding this new AI experience across various platforms. As Google Assistant bids farewell after nearly a decade of service on smartphones, smart home gadgets, and other electronics, it joins a list of discontinued Google products.
Gemini aims to incorporate much of the functionality that users valued in Google Assistant, although it still lacks some of the fluidity that users have come to expect. Many users find themselves sticking with Google Assistant instead of transitioning to Gemini. Some early adopters like myself made the switch seamlessly, having never relied on Google Assistant, but there may be others who are struggling or hesitant to make the change. In today’s surprise blog post, Google expressed its commitment to generative AI for assistant interactions and mentioned that millions have already migrated to Gemini.
The tech giant plans to streamline this transition by upgrading devices automatically. Google stated, “We believe an assistant should be personal to you and aware of the world around you,” emphasizing the need for an assistant that enhances productivity and creativity. Although an exact timeline for the migration hasn’t been disclosed, Google Assistant will become unavailable on most mobile devices by year’s end. Exceptions will be made for older devices running Android 9 or earlier with less than 2GB of RAM, allowing them to continue using Google Assistant for now.
Other devices, including those that connect to your phone like headphones and watches, will also be upgraded to Gemini. Until the rollout is complete, Google Assistant will operate as usual, with further details expected in the coming months.
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