Google is phasing out the Google Assistant. The generative AI model Gemini will take its place. The change will first come to mobile devices, but other devices with Google Assistant will also be affected by the adjustment.
Google sharpens the guillotine for Google Assistant. This voice assistant is the latest victim of Google’s killing policy, where applications and solutions are mercilessly eliminated when Google no longer finds them interesting. The Google graveyard already contains 166 such services.
Not So OK, Google
The Google Assistant has existed since 2016 and lives on mobile devices, in cars, and on numerous smart speakers. The Assistant listens for ‘OK, Google‘, and can look up things on the internet, or perform actions linked to IoT devices and other smart services. In practice, the Assistant has never worked very well for complex questions, but the tool did become established for controlling lights or playing music.
With the arrival of generative AI, it quickly became clear that Google Assistant was based on outdated technology. Gemini can understand questions and formulate answers much better. An upgrade seemed in order. Google now seems to decide to phase out the Assistant and push Gemini forward in its place.
In the coming months, Gemini will take the place of Google Assistant on smartphones and tablets. Later this year, the classic assistant will disappear from these devices and from the Play Store. Other devices such as headphones, speakers, TVs, and other connected devices will also get Gemini. Details about this will follow.
Unclear Compatibility
It is unclear whether every device that works with Google Assistant will also support Gemini. Google doesn’t say a word about this. Google is treading a vague path and describes the transition as both an upgrade and a replacement. At this moment, there is no guarantee that, for example, your Sonos speaker will still be able to control power outlets or lights via voice commands.
Initial reactions to Gemini as an assistant already showed problems where Gemini doesn’t sufficiently understand when a user asks a question that should initiate a concrete action. The chatbot is smarter in conversations, but still very untested as an assistant for controlling devices.
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Furthermore, Google Assistant is currently free. Gemini works via generative AI and inference in data centers. It remains to be seen whether this much more complex and consequently more expensive approach will also remain free. Whether Gemini can take over the well-functioning tasks of Google Assistant at launch remains to be seen. Whether users are on board with the switch without testing or certainty doesn’t interest Google. The changing of the guard is not optional and fits into the strategy where, as a user, AI is forced down your throat, whether you want it or not.