Google will replace Google Assistant with Android phones with Gemini later this year, the company announced Friday.
Google said in a blog post This will upgrade many users from Google Assistant to Gemini “in the coming months.” Later this year, the assistant will no longer be accessible to most mobile devices or available from app stores.
“In addition, we will upgrade tablets, cars and devices that connect your phone, such as headphones and watches, to Gemini,” the company added. “We also bring a new experience, strengthened by Gemini, on home devices such as speakers, displays and TVs.”
Google said it would share more details with users over the next few months, and that, until then, the assistant will continue to operate on the aforementioned devices.
Google's note worked to improve the Gemini user experience leading the aid air, especially for users who rely on various assistant functions. For example, Google has added many highly requested Gemini features to Android devices, such as the ability to play music, support for timers, and an option to take actions directly from a user's lock screen.
The move to drop the assistant in favor of Gemini is not surprising, especially considering Google that launched the Pixel 9 smartphone line with Gemini as the default virtual assistant. Google's note Gemini has more advanced capabilities than assistant (in theory, at least), and provides new ways of getting help and information on topics by tools such GEMINI LIVE and Deep research.