Adapted by:
Ricardo Aguilar
WriterMobile tech writer and analyst. I studied Psychology, but I've been working in the consumer tech field for the last 10 years. Interested in motor projects and new forms of mobility.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Google has officially announced the end of Google Assistant. The virtual assistant was originally designed to help users with basic day-to-day tasks such as setting alarms and reminders and quickly plotting routes on Google Maps. Users previously had to perform these functions in a few steps using other apps. With Google Assistant, they could complete them with a single voice command.
However, Google has decided to move forward with its new AI system, Gemini, which will replace Google Assistant entirely. Users can expect the virtual assistant to be unavailable on phones later this year.
The decade-old assistant. Google Assistant has been available since 2016 and offers highly polished functionality. It enables users to interact with both native and supported apps, such as Spotify and YouTube, to perform simple tasks in just seconds.
When Gemini was released for Android, it became the default system assistant, although users could switch back to Google Assistant through their phones’ settings. Unfortunately, this option will no longer be available by the end of 2025.
A natural evolution with a long road ahead. Gemini aims to be more comprehensive and capable than Google Assistant. However, at this stage, there are concerns about its ability to handle even the simplest tasks. While Gemini shows promise as an advanced assistant, it still needs some refinement to reach its full potential.
AI everywhere. In the new Gemini era, Google’s AI system will be integrated into all phones, whether you like it or not. This is exciting because it opens up new possibilities. Users will be able to generate images and use the advanced voice mode of Gemini Live. They’ll also benefit from an more comprehensive and useful assistant than Google Assistant.
For those who may not be entirely comfortable with Google’s AI, OpenAI is already working on making ChatGPT available as a native voice assistant on Android. This could be a great alternative for quickly accessing the advanced voice mode, although it might complicate access to other apps.
Looking ahead. Google’s recent move seems like a logical step, particularly as it strives to integrate Gemini into every phone running its operating system. Meanwhile, Apple is working on enhancing Siri’s capabilities. However, progress has been slow, and there’s no clear timeline for an advanced AI feature on iPhones.
It’s evident that if tech companies want to win users over with AI, they need to integrate it directly into the operating system rather than offering it as just another app.
Image | Daniel Romero
Related | The New Gemini Showcases Google’s Ambition: To Have Us Continuously Talk to Our Phones
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