Google's long-standing virtual assistant is heading for retirement as the tech giant accelerates its AI-focused strategy. Google has officially announced plans to replace Google Assistant with its more advanced Gemini AI across most devices by the end of 2025, marking a significant shift in how users will interact with Google's ecosystem of products.
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| Man engaging with Gemini chatbot, illustrating the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini AI |
The Transition Timeline
Google has confirmed that the classic Google Assistant will be completely phased out on most mobile devices by the end of 2025. The company is already actively dismantling Google Assistant features ahead of this retirement, with the transition to Gemini beginning on smartphones and eventually extending to smart speakers, TVs, wearables, and cars in the coming months. For mobile users, this means Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on compatible devices and will be removed from app stores, affecting both Android and iOS users.
Device Compatibility Requirements
Not all devices will be able to make the switch to Gemini. Google has established minimum requirements for the transition: devices must have at least 2GB of RAM and run Android 10 or later. iOS users will need iOS 16 or higher. Android Go devices are not supported at all. Older devices that don't meet these specifications will continue to use Google Assistant for as long as Google maintains support for it, though this timeline remains unclear.
Features Being Discontinued
The transition is already causing disruption for many Google Assistant users. Google has been steadily removing features from Assistant over the past year, with seven more capabilities recently deactivated across Android devices and Nest smart speakers and displays. These newly discontinued features include Interpreter mode for live translations, photo management functions on smart displays, birthday reminders in Routines, daily updates, Family Bell announcements, and Google Assistant support for car accessories working via Bluetooth or AUX connections.
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| Google Assistant activated on a Google Pixel 4a smartphone, highlighting features being phased out |
The Gemini Advantage
Google positions Gemini as a significant upgrade over Assistant, powered by the company's latest large language models (LLMs). Unlike the command-based Google Assistant, Gemini offers more conversational interactions and can handle more complex tasks. It has expanded to support over 40 languages across more than 200 countries and includes advanced features like Gemini Live, which can access your camera to answer questions about your surroundings, and Deep Research for step-by-step problem solving.
User Concerns and Challenges
The transition hasn't been without criticism. Many users report that Gemini struggles with basic tasks that Google Assistant handled efficiently, such as opening specific apps, setting reminders, or controlling smart home devices. Google acknowledges that Gemini may initially respond more slowly than Assistant, though it expects performance to improve over time. Additionally, because Gemini relies on generative AI, it can sometimes provide incorrect information or hallucinations – a problem that wasn't as prevalent with the more structured Google Assistant.
Feature Gap During Transition
A significant concern for users is that Google is removing Assistant features before equivalent functionality is available in Gemini. For example, Routines – which allow users to group multiple actions under a single voice command – haven't yet been implemented in Gemini. This creates a functionality gap during the transition period that may frustrate long-time Google Assistant users who rely on these features for daily tasks.
Looking Ahead
While the transition may be bumpy, Google is betting that Gemini's advanced AI capabilities will eventually provide a more powerful and personalized assistant experience. The company continues to add previously missing assistant features to Gemini while simultaneously developing new AI-powered capabilities. For users of Google's ecosystem, adapting to Gemini will soon become necessary as Google Assistant completes its nine-year journey and makes way for what Google believes is the future of AI assistance.
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| Google Nest Hub Max serves as a vital part of Google's AI-assisted ecosystem, representing the transition to Gemini |