Gemini Set to Replace Google Assistant on Mobile Devices
Launched in May 2016, Google Assistant has been an integral part of the Android ecosystem for years—found in Android smartphones, Wear OS devices, smart home gadgets, Android Auto, and more. With a simple “Hey Google” prompt, the assistant would help users with a variety of tasks through conversational, contextual AI-powered interactions.
Now, as Google moves forward, a new assistant called Gemini is poised to replace Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Gemini, initially introduced as Google Bard in 2023, has rapidly become Google's priority in the AI assistant space. It understands the same commands as Google Assistant but enhances the experience by allowing more natural speech and deeper contextual understanding. Google Assistant will remain available until March 2026, after which Gemini will be the default choice on supported devices and languages.
Gradual Phase-Out of Google Assistant
Since Gemini’s launch last year, Google has steadily deprecated several core Google Assistant features, positioning Gemini as the superior AI assistant. The transition marks a significant evolution in how Google envisions personal assistants operating on Android devices.
Community Preferences: Gemini vs. Google Assistant
Poll results from 43 votes:
- Yes – it's more advanced: 60.47%
- No – I prefer the original Google Assistant: 30.23%
- I don’t use any assistant: 9.3%
Looking Ahead: The Era of Gemini
With Google Assistant Live ending next year, Gemini will become your main AI assistant across smartphones and other Android devices. This new AI is celebrated for its superior capabilities, particularly its improved conversational skills and contextual understanding. For example, when planning a trip on a Pixel 10 device, Gemini can quickly create customized itineraries based on your input, a task where Google Assistant often falls short, typically defaulting to web search responses.
That said, some users have noted Gemini occasionally struggles with simple commands, like controlling smart home lights, an issue also present in Google Assistant. However, as the upgraded version, expectations remain high for Gemini to overcome such challenges.
Recommended Reads
- AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Subscribers Concerned by Recent FCC Actions
- Black Friday Deals: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro at Huge Discounts
- Amazon Offers Apple’s Beats Studio Pro at 57% Off for Holidays
- Apple Rumored to Discontinue Popular AirDrop Feature
