What happens to Google Assistant?
Google plans to retire its Assistant on Android devices starting September 4, replacing it with Gemini for voice control. The change will also affect other gadgets connected to phones, such as smartwatches and cars with Android Auto. Users who have already switched to Gemini will not experience any changes.
Google's just announced it's pulling the plug on its Assistant for Android devices, come September 4 - that's when the transition kicks in, leaving Gemini as the sole option for voice control. It's not exactly a shock, but now we've got a specific date to mark on our calendars. So, all you Assistant fans out there will have to get used to the new Gemini system - and fast.
The ripple effects of this change won't be limited to Android devices, by the way. Other gadgets that sync up with your phone for smart features - think smartwatches, headphones, and cars with Android Auto - will also have to make the switch to Gemini. Most of Google's smart home devices have already jumped on the Gemini bandwagon, but some devices, like Android-powered TVs and set-top boxes, will stick with Assistant for now, with plans to transition to Gemini down the line.
For all you Assistant die-hards out there, this change might take some getting used to. Gemini's a more powerful, AI-based system, but it can also be a bit of a wild card - sometimes it struggles to complete tasks or forgets it's got access to certain tools. That can lead to some pretty frustrating interactions, especially if you're coming from the simplicity of Assistant. Assistant was never the most advanced thing, but at least it was straightforward and easy to use.
Source: Ars Technica
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