Google is officially transitioning from Google Assistant to Gemini as the default AI assistant on its devices. This shift will affect Android phones, smartwatches, Android Auto, tablets, smart home devices, TVs, and audio gear. Google Assistant will be removed from devices and app stores, making Gemini the primary AI experience.
First step of Gemini processing a PDF in Files by Google app.
Gemini already interacts with various Google and third-party apps, enabling users to perform tasks across different platforms without opening individual apps. This includes Google Workspace apps like Docs, Drive, and Gmail, as well as third-party apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, and several Samsung apps.
Compatible Devices and Feature Parity
Gemini will support most existing Google Assistant features, including smart home control, lock screen access, routines, song detection, and messaging. Many of these features have been enhanced in Gemini, such as reminders, events, lists, Google Maps integration, Google Drive interaction, YouTube video queries, and on-screen context awareness.
Steps to change the digital assistant on your Android device to Gemini, not Google Assistant.
Gemini will be available on:
- Phones with at least 2GB of RAM running Android 10 or later.
- iPhones running iOS 16 or later.
- Headphones will mirror the assistant on the paired phone.
Android Go phones will not receive Gemini due to the project’s discontinuation.
Seamless Transition and Data Migration
The “Hey Google” hotword will remain the same for activating Gemini. Existing Google Assistant data, such as call and messaging history, will be transferred to Gemini with user permission. Gemini will also access search history for personalized responses and eventually interact with Google Photos.
Giving Search history access to Gemini.
More information regarding this transition can be found in Google’s support document.
Why Gemini is a Significant Upgrade
Gemini represents a substantial advancement over Google Assistant. While Google Assistant relied on natural language understanding, Gemini functions as a natural language chatbot with both language understanding and reasoning capabilities. Trained on a vast information corpus, Gemini operates offline for many on-device tasks and handles multilingual conversations.
Gemini Live on an iPhone.
Gemini’s key advantage is its multi-modal processing, accepting PDFs, images, text, audio, and even live video as input. It can solve complex problems in science, math, and coding, surpassing Google Assistant’s capabilities. Project Astra will further enhance Gemini’s real-time understanding of the surrounding environment through camera input.
Using Gemini Deep Research on a smartphone.
Gemini also offers unique features like Deep Research for automated web research reports and Gems, user-created custom assistants for specific tasks. Both features, previously exclusive to paid subscribers, are now free for all users.
Multiple Models for Varied Tasks
Unlike the one-size-fits-all Google Assistant, Gemini offers multiple models with varying capabilities. Users can select the appropriate model based on task complexity. The “Pro” model handles complex tasks like analyzing large documents, while the “Flash” model is optimized for everyday virtual assistant functions.
Gemini on Pixel 9 pulling up an email summary
Gemini’s enhanced capabilities, versatility, and multi-model approach represent a major upgrade over Google Assistant. With offline functionality for features like live translation on compatible devices, Gemini offers a more powerful and adaptable AI experience.
