End-of-an-era: Gemini to replace Google Assistant on smartphones this year
What's the story
Google has announced plans to replace its current digital assistant, Google Assistant, with Gemini. The transition is slated for later in 2025. The tech giant revealed that the "classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices" and confirmed that millions have already switched to Gemini. The change comes after yesterday's updates bringing Deep Research access for all users.
Conditions
Exceptions and upcoming enhancements
Notably, the transition to Gemini won't affect users with phones running Android 9 or older (as long as they do not have at least 2GB of RAM). They will continue to enjoy the current Assistant experience. Google also intends to improve the day-to-day experience of Gemini, particularly for those who have depended on Google Assistant. The company wants to refine the quality of this new assistant before retiring its predecessor.
Development
Gemini's evolution and future plans
When Gemini launched in February 2024, it was missing a few phone assistant capabilities. But, since then, Google has added features like lockscreen access. The company has big plans for Gemini beyond smartphones. It will be coming to watches, cars, tablets, and headphones. We've already seen signs of this transition on Pixel Buds and Wear OS devices.
Future
Google's vision for Gemini
Google envisions Gemini as a personal assistant, aware of the world around you. It should interact with apps and services you already use and enhance productivity, creativity, and curiosity. The company is also working on a new experience powered by Gemini for speakers, displays, and TVs. More details about this development are expected to be revealed in the coming months.