Google Assistant's days are numbered. Google introduced Friday that every one Android units are switching to Gemini as their default assistant and "the traditional Google Assistant will not be accessible on most cell units."
The corporate says it's working to transform extra cell units from Google Assistant to Gemini in 2025, and plans on "upgrading tablets, vehicles and units that connect with your cellphone, akin to headphones and watches" to the brand new AI assistant. That presumably contains different platforms like iOS, as properly. Whereas good house units don't appear to be a spotlight at Google as of late, the corporate additionally reaffirmed plans to make use of Gemini to energy a brand new expertise on audio system, shows, and streaming bins.
The one strategy to actually keep away from Google Assistant's retirement is to have a tool that doesn't meet Gemini's minimal system necessities: Operating at the least Android 10 and having at the least 2GB of RAM. In case you've received each, say goodbye to your outdated assistant.
For these keen to look, the writing has been on the wall for Google Assistant for some time now. Google launched its Pixel 9 line with Gemini because the default as an alternative of Google Assistant, a reasonably unhealthy signal contemplating Pixels perform as one huge Google life-style advert. The corporate has additionally intentionally tried to offer Gemini fundamental capabilities of Assistant over time, presumably to make this transition doable.
It's not clear when the change will occur, however it might make sense for any Android 16 machine to make use of Gemini relatively than final years mannequin.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-removing-assistant-from-most-phones-this-year-182700104.html?src=rss
