Google has announced plans to phase out Google Assistant on Android devices, replacing it with its AI-powered assistant, Gemini, later this year.
In a blog post shared on Friday, the company stated that users will gradually be transitioned from Google Assistant to Gemini over the coming months. Once the shift is complete, Assistant will no longer be available on most mobile devices or downloadable from app stores.
Expansion Beyond Smartphones
The transition won’t be limited to smartphones. Google also confirmed that Gemini will be introduced across a range of other devices, including tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and even in-car systems that currently rely on Google Assistant. Additionally, smart home devices such as speakers, displays, and televisions will also be integrated with the new AI-powered assistant.
Google reassured users that Assistant will remain functional on supported devices until the transition is complete. More details on the timeline and process will be shared in the coming months.
Enhancements to Gemini
Ahead of Assistant’s discontinuation, Google has been actively improving Gemini’s capabilities to ensure a smoother user experience. Some of the latest additions to Gemini on Android include music playback support, the ability to set timers, and the option to perform certain actions directly from the lock screen—features that were widely used in Google Assistant.
Why the Change?
Google’s decision to retire Assistant in favor of Gemini doesn’t come as a surprise. The latest Pixel 9 smartphones already launched with Gemini as the default AI assistant, signaling a shift in Google’s approach to digital assistants. The company claims that Gemini offers more advanced functionalities than Assistant, providing users with better access to information and assistance through tools like Gemini Live and Deep Research.
With this move, Google aims to create a unified AI-powered assistant that enhances user experience across multiple devices, offering a more intuitive and capable alternative to its predecessor.
