New Delhi: Google is set to phase out another popular feature, Google’s digital assistant (Google Assistant), from Android mobile phones by September 4, 2026. The firm is replacing its old AI assistant with its newer counterpart, Gemini, on mobile devices by making it the default assistant.
Google is beginning to notify users via email of the change. But such shutdowns won’t take place on all devices simultaneously. The rollout plans for the company take the name of several weeks, in this case, users of the Android operating system may continue to use Google Assistant for a few weeks after 4th September. It will not impact users who have already migrated to Gemini.
Google Assistant began by being unveiled in 2016 and since come to be a familiar option on Android mobile devices. Once it enabled the user to use voice commands to do things, including setting an alarm, sending messages, checking information and controlling music.
This will now be handled by Gemini. Users can either connect to Gemini via “Hey Google” and pose questions to it or using the touch command allow them to control some elements and operate actions elsewhere in Android applications. Unlike the traditional Assistant, Gemini can interpret longer conversations that are more natural.
The change might not be as user friendly though. Google has admitted that certain options from Google Assistant don’t yet work with Gemini. The business is still incorporating new features to its AI assistant.
The update will also impact other devices linked to the Android mobile. Tailor-made devices like smartwatches and HTC’s Android Auto-enabled headphones and vehicles are also getting set up for Gemini. Android Auto support includes a wide range of functions on Gemini, including calls, messages, navigation, and music.
Not all Google-powered devices will have Assistant gone. Android TVs, set-top boxes and cars with Google built-in are not included in the September 4 shutdown announcement. What’s more, some older phones and devices in places where Google is not yet supported, could still continue to run Google Assistant for longer.
This is a big shift for Google’s AI approach. Google Assistant, which Google has been working with for almost a decade now, is now turning to be the company’s core AI assistant in its ecosystem with Gemini.
