Google has announced it will be permanently retiring the familiar Google Assistant, fully replacing it with its advanced AI-powered assistant, Gemini. The decision marks a significant shift, as Google believes users are ready for a more personalized digital assistant experience that leverages advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
Google Assistant was first launched in 2016 and has since become an essential tool for many Android users worldwide. However, feedback gathered by Google indicates users increasingly prefer a smarter, context-aware assistant that seamlessly integrates with multiple apps and services. Gemini, designed from the ground up with advanced language understanding and reasoning, was created to fulfill exactly that role.
Google revealed that millions of Android users have already switched to Gemini, with overwhelmingly positive responses. As a result, the tech giant is set to expand Gemini’s presence further, upgrading more Android phones from Google Assistant to Gemini in the coming months. Currently, users can still revert to Google Assistant if they prefer, but Google confirmed this option will be removed later this year, permanently discontinuing Google Assistant on devices capable of supporting Gemini.
This shift will not be limited to smartphones—tablets, smartwatches, cars, and home devices will all receive Gemini upgrades in due course. However, Google Assistant will remain available on older devices that do not meet Gemini’s minimum hardware requirements (devices running Android 10 or higher and with at least 2 GB of RAM).
Google assured users that popular features from Google Assistant have been integrated into Gemini, aiming to make the transition seamless for those accustomed to the older assistant.
Stay tuned to DC Brief for further updates on this story and other technology developments.
