Google has revealed its intention to gradually discontinue Google Assistant on Android smartphones, shifting users towards its AI-driven Gemini assistant. In a recent blog post, the company announced that by the end of this year, the traditional Google Assistant will be unavailable on most mobile devices and will not be downloadable from app stores.
As part of this transition, Google will upgrade a larger number of Android users from Assistant to Gemini. However, devices that do not meet the minimum system requirements for Gemini will still retain Assistant functionality for the time being. Gemini requires Android 10 or later, indicating that devices operating on Android 9 or earlier may continue to use Google Assistant.
Gemini, launched last year, brought AI-enhanced features such as image generation, text summarization, and multimodal capabilities. Initially, it lacked some essential Assistant functions, but Google has since filled these gaps by adding support for tasks like:
– Setting and managing alarms and timers
– Controlling device features such as flashlight, volume, and display brightness
– Taking photos and screenshots
– Managing media playback
– Opening specific apps, websites, or settings
Moreover, Gemini works with third-party applications like WhatsApp and Spotify and includes ‘Gemini Live,’ which facilitates more natural voice interactions.
Despite these advancements, some limitations persist. For example, Gemini does not yet fully support ‘Routines,’ an important automation feature of Google Assistant. Nevertheless, Google has stated it is “committed to enhancing the daily Gemini experience, particularly for users who have relied on Google Assistant.”
In addition to smartphones, Google aims to broaden Gemini’s reach across its ecosystem, including tablets, vehicles, and connected devices like smartwatches and headphones. The company has also confirmed that Gemini-powered functionalities will be introduced to home devices such as smart speakers, displays, and TVs, although specific details are yet to be disclosed. Google stated that more information will be revealed in the coming months. Until then, Google Assistant will continue to function on these devices.
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