Google has announced it will gradually discontinue its long-standing Google Assistant in favour of Gemini, its AI-powered assistant.
The tech giant made the announcement on Friday. According to Google, the transition will begin with mobile devices and later expand to other devices such as tablets, cars, smartwatches, and headphones.
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Transition to Gemini: Features and rollout
The transition from Google Assistant to Gemini is part of Google’s strategy to enhance user interactions with generative AI.
Gemini, launched in February 2024, initially lacked many phone assistant capabilities but has since been updated to include features like accessing Gemini on the lock screen and controlling phone capabilities with Utilities.
Google noted, “We believe an assistant should be personal to you and aware of the world around you. It should be able to interact with the apps and services you already use. And it should make you more productive, more creative and a bit more curious”.
Google has already seen millions of users switch to Gemini, with positive feedback on its AI-powered features. The company plans to introduce a Gemini-powered experience for smart home devices like speakers, displays, and TVs, though Google Assistant will continue to function on these devices for now. The rollout will exclude phones running Android 9 or earlier and those without at least 2 GB of RAM, where the existing Assistant experience will remain.
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Gemini expansion across devices
Gemini’s expansion will not only cover mobile devices but also extend to other platforms. Google confirmed that Gemini will be available for watches, cars, tablets, and headphones.
The company has already seen Gemini take over Google Assistant on Pixel Buds, with signs of it coming to Wear OS. Additionally, Google is actively testing Gemini on the Nest Mini and Audio, while a TV experience was previewed in January.
The company stated, “We are excited to introduce a new experience, powered by Gemini, for home devices including speakers, displays, and televisions,” with more details anticipated in the coming months.