Google to replace Assistant with Gemini on mobile devices

Google has announced it will phase out its long-standing digital Assistant in favour of Gemini, its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistant.

In a blog post on Friday, the tech giant said it will gradually upgrade users from Google Assistant to Gemini over the coming months, with the classic Assistant set to be discontinued on most mobile devices later this year.

“Over the coming months, we’re upgrading more users on mobile devices from Google Assistant to Gemini; and later this year, the classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads on mobile app stores,” the company said.

The move comes as Google bets on generative AI to enhance user interactions.

The company says millions of users have already transitioned to Gemini, with positive feedback on its AI-powered features.

According to Google, the rollout will begin with mobile devices before expanding to tablets, cars, smartwatches, and headphones.

The company also plans to introduce a Gemini-powered experience for smart home devices like speakers, displays, and televisions (TVs), though Assistant will continue to function on these devices for now.

“We’re also bringing a new experience, powered by Gemini, to home devices like speakers, displays, and TVs. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the next few months,” Google added.

The shift to Gemini follows the recent launch of Google’s Pixel 9 smartphone, where the AI-powered assistant debuted as the default virtual assistant.