Tech giant Google has announced plans to retire its long-standing digital Assistant and replace it with its next-generation, AI-powered Gemini assistant.
The transition marks a major shift in Google’s strategy as it moves deeper into the world of generative artificial intelligence.
In a blog post on Friday, Google revealed that it will begin upgrading users from Google Assistant to Gemini over the next few months, with the classic Assistant set to be discontinued on most mobile devices by the end of the 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,” Google announced.
The move comes as Google bets on generative AI to transform user interactions, bringing a more intelligent, conversational, and versatile experience through Gemini.
According to the company, millions of users have already made the switch and provided positive feedback on Gemini’s expanded AI features.
The rollout will start with mobile devices and gradually extend to tablets, cars, smartwatches, and headphones. Google also confirmed plans to introduce Gemini-powered experiences to smart home devices such as speakers, displays, and televisions, although Google 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,” the company said.
