Google Assistant's days are numbered. Google introduced Friday that every one Android units are switching to Gemini as their default assistant and "the basic 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 consists of different platforms like iOS, as nicely. Whereas good dwelling 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 containers.
The one solution to actually keep away from Google Assistant's retirement is to have a tool that doesn't meet Gemini's minimal system necessities: Working a minimum of Android 10 and having a minimum of 2GB of RAM. In the event you've bought each, say goodbye to your outdated assistant.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 fairly dangerous signal contemplating Pixels operate as one massive Google life-style advert. The corporate has additionally intentionally tried to offer Gemini primary capabilities of Assistant over time, presumably to make this transition attainable.
It's not clear when the swap will occur, however it could make sense for any Android 16 system to make use of Gemini slightly 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