Google Assistant is officially being replaced by Gemini as the primary voice assistant on Android devices. With this significant shift, the Assistant Driving Mode feature in Google Maps is also being phased out completely. Users will now access media playback controls through the new Floating Action Button in the Maps settings, while notifications for incoming calls and texts will remain in the notification shade. Since the introduction of Gemini, Google Assistant has slowly faded, as the company strives to enhance its offerings in the AI space.
While Gemini still needs to catch up on some features compared to its predecessor, Google is actively removing the last remnants of Assistant. The most notable change is making Gemini the default voice assistant on Android devices, with the recent confirmation that Assistant Driving Mode will no longer be available. Originally launched in 2019, Assistant Driving Mode provided a voice-activated interface for users while driving. This feature offered a larger, Dashboard-style user interface with conveniently sized buttons, enabling users to receive information quickly and easily.
However, Google recently announced to 9to5Google that this feature will be discontinued. The removal marks the end of a gradual phase-out, beginning in 2024 when Google limited Driving Mode’s support for several applications like YouTube Music and Telegram. As a result, the functionality of the Driving Mode became redundant, leading to the disappearance of the bottom navigation bar. Looking forward, the experience previously powered by Google Assistant will transition to a Gemini framework later this year.
While no specific timeline has been provided, Google has consistently rolled out updates for Gemini timely. In the meantime, users will need to utilize the Assistant button located in the upper right corner of the Maps interface for navigation queries, while media playback controls are now accessed through the temporary Floating Action Button.
Leave a Reply