Key Points:
- Google is phasing out Assistant and introducing Gemini as the default AI assistant for Android devices.
- Gemini offers advanced AI capabilities, including multimodal processing and conversational features.
- Transition will occur over the coming months, with Assistant fully discontinued by the end of 2025.
- Gemini is expanding to tablets, smartwatches, cars, and smart home devices like speakers and TVs.
- Apple’s delayed AI upgrades for Siri highlight Google’s competitive edge in generative AI.
New Delhi: Google has officially announced its plans to retire Google Assistant and replace it with its advanced AI-powered Gemini assistant across billions of Android devices later this year. This transition marks a significant shift in Google’s strategy, aiming to redefine user experiences with cutting-edge generative AI capabilities.
Why Gemini Is Replacing Assistant
The decision to phase out Assistant comes as Google seeks to modernize its virtual assistant offerings. While Assistant served users well for years, its capabilities were limited compared to the dynamic features of Gemini. Launched in early 2024, Gemini introduced groundbreaking functionalities such as multimodal processing, conversational AI, image generation, and text summarization. These features allow Gemini to handle complex tasks like solving scientific problems, creating detailed reports through Deep Research tools, and even generating custom AI assistants called “Gems” tailored for specific user needs.
Enhanced Features with Gemini
Gemini builds on the foundational abilities of Assistant while adding new layers of sophistication:
- Device Control: Users can manage alarms, timers, media playback, and device settings like brightness and volume directly via voice commands.
- Multimodal Inputs: Gemini can process various formats like text, images, audio, PDFs, and live video for more versatile interactions.
- Third-Party Integration: It supports apps like WhatsApp and Spotify alongside Google’s suite of applications such as Docs and Gmail.
- Natural Conversations: The Gemini Live interface enables free-flowing dialogues for seamless assistance.
Despite these advancements, some legacy features like “Routines” are not yet fully integrated into Gemini. However, Google has assured users that ongoing updates will address these gaps while enhancing day-to-day functionality.
Timeline for Transition
The rollout of Gemini will occur gradually over the coming months. By late 2025, Assistant will be completely discontinued on most mobile devices and removed from app stores. Users will receive upgrade prompts to transition to Gemini. Notably, devices running Android 9 or earlier that lack the minimum system requirements (Android 10 or higher) will retain Assistant functionality temporarily.
Beyond smartphones, Google plans to expand Gemini across its ecosystem. Tablets, cars, smartwatches, headphones, and Nest smart home devices like speakers and TVs are set to receive Gemini-powered experiences. Testing is already underway for Nest Mini and Audio devices.
Competitive Edge Over Siri
As Google accelerates its AI evolution with Gemini, rival Apple faces challenges in making Siri AI-powered. Reports indicate that Siri may not achieve full-fledged generative AI capabilities until 2027 with iOS 20 updates. This delay underscores Google’s advantage in leading the generative AI revolution.
What’s Next?
Google is committed to refining Gemini further before shutting down Assistant completely. The company plans to reveal more details about its expansion into smart home devices in the coming months. For users accustomed to Assistant’s simplicity, Gemini promises a transformative upgrade that combines intelligence with versatility ushering in a new era of AI-powered assistance across Android ecosystems.
