Google will discontinue Assistant shortly before its tenth anniversary.
The writing has been on the wall for so long.
Launched in May 2016, Google Assistant has become integrated with many Google products and the broader Android environment. It can be found on Android phones, Wear OS devices, smart home products, and Android Auto. Users can activate it by saying, "Hey Google," followed by their request.
Upon its release, Google Assistant was considered innovative. However, it now seems somewhat outdated compared to newer AI assistants that offer more human-like and aware interactions. Google Assistant is limited to responding to specific voice commands, while AI-driven assistants enable more natural and intelligent conversations.
To compete with assistants like Siri and Alexa, Google is replacing Google Assistant with its core AI model, Gemini. Previously, users could choose between Gemini and Google Assistant. However, an Android Auto support page indicates that Google Assistant will be discontinued after March 2026, leaving Gemini as the primary assistant.
Gemini is taking over from Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Users can find information on Gemini's capabilities, privacy features, protection of minors, and availability across devices, languages, and regions. Gemini will support the same commands as Google Assistant, while also allowing for more fluid speech. Google Assistant will remain available until March 2026.
Google is gradually phasing out Google Assistant.
Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Users can find information on Gemini's capabilities, privacy features, protection of minors, and availability across devices, languages, and regions. Gemini will support the same commands as Google Assistant, while also allowing for more fluid speech. Google Assistant will remain available until March 2026.
Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Users can find information on Gemini's capabilities, privacy features, protection of minors, and availability across devices, languages, and regions. Gemini will support the same commands as Google Assistant, while also allowing for more fluid speech. Google Assistant will remain available until March 2026.
Since its debut in 2023, Gemini, initially known as Google Bard, has been a major focus for Google. A year after its launch, Google made Gemini the default assistant on smartphones and began removing key Google Assistant functions earlier this year.
For example, Google removed the ability to use voice commands to manage photo frame or ambient screen settings. In total, Google removed six similar functions from Google Assistant. Now, Gemini enables users to perform these tasks more easily through voice commands. More Assistant features could be removed before the final changeover.
Once Google Assistant is discontinued next year, Gemini will become the main personal assistant on smartphones and other Android devices. Gemini offers improvements over Google Assistant in many areas.
Gemini can be used on a Pixel 10 to plan trips. Providing trip details like duration and budget allows Gemini to create an itinerary quickly, something Google Assistant struggles to do.
However, Gemini is not without issues. Users have reported problems, especially with Google Home, noting that Gemini sometimes struggles with simple commands like turning lights on or off. While Google Assistant had similar issues, users expect Gemini to avoid repeating those basic problems.