Gemini to Replace Google Assistant in Android Devices Starting September 4

In Focus

• The Google Assistant replacement process will take several weeks
• Gemini will bring AI capabilities to Android devices and Wear OS wearables
• Google Assistant was first unveiled in May 2016

Google Assistant is shutting down on Android phones and Wear OS wearables at the beginning next month. Google will be replacing the advanced AI assistant with Gemini across its ecosystem. After announcing the shift in March last year, Google is implementing the final phase of migrating Gemini to Android.

Already, the tech company has started informing users about the upcoming changes. In an email posted on Reddit, Google said Google Assistant is “being discontinued” and Gemini is now “the assistant experience on Android.”

How Will Google Discontinue the AI Assistant?

The process of replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on Android devices will start on September 4. Google anticipates that it will take several weeks before the changes are reflected on every device. After this period, users will not be able to use the AI assistant on Android tablets, phones, or paired wearables.

This transition will apply to Android Auto as well. However, Google Assistant will continue functioning a bit longer in cars that have Google built-in. Upon completing the transition, users can launch Gemini by simply saying “Hey Google”. Alternatively, they can long-press the power button on their Android device to activate Gemini.

Even so, Google advised that “Hey Google” and several other features previously available in Google Assistant will not be available in all languages and countries. They will also not be available for supervised accounts.

In recent months, Google has been working to make Gemini the default option on its devices. The company has already added Gemini to smart home devices as well as Google TV.

How Will Gemini Work on Android Devices?

According to Google, making Gemini the default app on Android devices will automatically make it the assistant on Wear OS smartwatches, paired devices, and compatible earphones or headphones.

The tech company said Gemini will perform the same functions as Google Assistant. It can set timers, control smart home devices, respond to user queries, and even take actions from a user’s lock screen. However, Gemini will give users direct access to some of Google’s best AI models. With this access, users can:

• Use AI to brainstorm ideas, write, and learn
• Generate images faster
• Summarize information
• Locate emails or documents in Gmail or Google Drive
• Create navigation plans with Google Maps

How to Switch from Google Assistant to Gemini

People who use Google Assistant on Android devices or Wear OS smartwatches can start switching to Gemini. If Gemini isn’t preinstalled on their device, they can download it from the Google Play Store.

The Gemini app will guide users through the set up process. It also guides users through the process of replacing Google Assistant as the default app. Since most people use the same Google account, switching from Google Assistant will largely be seamless.