Google has announced plans to phase out its long-standing Google Assistant in favor of Gemini, marking a significant shift in the company’s artificial intelligence strategy. The transition will begin rolling out to users over the coming months, affecting mobile devices, tablets, cars, and connected devices.
The tech giant confirmed that the classic Google Assistant, which has been a cornerstone of Google’s ecosystem since 2016, will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads from app stores later this year. This transformation represents one of Google’s most substantial changes to its consumer-facing AI services.
The migration to Gemini will be comprehensive, though some exceptions exist. Devices running Android 9 or earlier and those with less than 2GB of RAM will retain access to the classic Assistant, report 9to5Google, ensuring continuity for users with older hardware configurations.
Google’s ambitious rollout plan extends beyond smartphones. The company has outlined intentions to upgrade various connected devices, including tablets, automotive systems, headphones, and smartwatches, to the Gemini platform. Additionally, Google is developing a new Gemini-powered experience specifically for home devices, including speakers, displays, and TVs.
The timing of these changes appears strategic, with more detailed announcements expected during Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference, typically held in May. Until then, Google Assistant will continue functioning on existing devices, allowing for a gradual transition period.
This move reflects Google’s broader strategy to consolidate its AI offerings under the Gemini brand, which has become the company’s flagship artificial intelligence platform. The transition signifies Google’s commitment to advancing its AI capabilities and providing users with more sophisticated digital assistance features.
Industry experts view this change as inevitable, given the rapid advancement of AI technology and the need for more integrated, powerful digital assistants. The Gemini upgrade promises to bring enhanced capabilities and more natural interactions compared to the traditional Google Assistant.
For users, this transition represents both an end and a beginning. While the familiar “Hey Google” interface will eventually disappear, the promise of more advanced AI capabilities through Gemini suggests a more sophisticated digital assistant experience is on the horizon.
The impact of this change will be far-reaching, affecting millions of users across Google’s ecosystem. The company’s challenge will be ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the reliability and functionality that users have come to expect from their digital assistant services.
As this technological evolution unfolds, Google has committed to providing additional details and guidance in the coming months, helping users adapt to the new Gemini-powered future of digital assistance.
News Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/629904/google-assistant-gemini-moving-on
