Google is retiring its classic Google Assistant in favor of its newer, AI-powered Gemini assistant, according to a recent announcement. The company’s shift represents a significant transition in its approach to providing assistance across devices.
In a blog post released on Friday, Google stated its intention to upgrade mobile device users from the original Google Assistant to Gemini. The classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for download in app stores later this year, the company confirmed.
“To continue our work of building the world’s most helpful assistant, we’ve reimagined the experience with AI at its core to make Gemini your personal, AI-powered assistant,” explained Brian Marquardt, Senior Director of Product Management, in the blog post.
Marquardt also indicated that other devices, including tablets, cars, and connected devices like headphones and watches, would soon receive the Gemini upgrade. Furthermore, Google is planning to introduce a “new experience, powered by Gemini,” to home devices such as speakers, displays, and TVs.
“We look forward to sharing more details with you in the next few months,” Marquardt added. “Until then, Google Assistant will continue to operate on these devices.”
Launched in 2016, Google Assistant utilized natural language processing and voice recognition technology. It was initially designed to offer “a more natural way to get help from Google.” Gemini, Google’s more recent AI assistant, was introduced last year and has since expanded to over 40 languages and more than 200 countries.
