Google has announced that it is planning to replace its Assistant with the generative AI-powered Gemini later this year.
The tech giant said that “millions of people have already made the switch from Google Assistant to Gemini” and that the old digital assistant will be inaccessible and unavailable for download on mobile devices starting later this year.
This shift comes as new Android phones, including Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola, released in the past year, have already made Gemini the default assistant. In the coming months, those still using the Assistant will see an upgrade prompt.
However, phones running Android 9 or earlier and those with less than 2 GB of RAM will still keep the existing Assistant experience.
This move aligns with Google’s broader efforts to integrate cutting-edge AI into its ecosystem, enhancing user interactions across its devices and services. Gemini is anticipated to be smarter, more intuitive, and capable of handling a wider range of tasks, making it a central part of Google’s vision for the future of AI-driven user experiences.
According to the company, “Apart from smartphones, tablets, cars and devices like headphones and smartwatches will also be making the transition to Gemini. Until then, these devices will continue to work with Google Assistant.”
Since launching last year, the company expanded access to the Gemini app and it is now available in over 40 languages and more than 200 countries.
“Meanwhile, we’re continuing to focus on improving the quality of the day-to-day Gemini experience, especially for those who have come to rely on Google Assistant. We’ve updated the app to support more of the most requested features, such as playing music, setting timers, or taking action from your lock screen,” the company said in a statement.
