Google has announced it is transitioning mobile users from Google Assistant to Gemini, an AI-powered upgrade designed to provide smarter assistance.
Brian Marquardt, Senior Director of Product Management for the Gemini app, said that when Google Assistant launched in 2016, advances in natural language processing and voice recognition made interactions with Google more seamless. “Nearly a decade later, we’re experiencing another platform shift—this time, generative AI is reshaping how we engage with technology,” he added.
Marquardt emphasized that Gemini redefines the assistant experience with AI at its core, aiming to remain “the world’s most helpful assistant.” He noted, “While our expectations for what an assistant can do are evolving, the mission stays the same.”
What’s Next for Google Assistant
Marquardt explained that millions have already switched to Gemini and find its AI-driven features valuable in daily life. To expand access, Google will upgrade more mobile users to Gemini over the coming months, he said. Later this year, the classic Google Assistant will no longer function on most mobile devices and will be removed from app stores.
For users with devices that don’t meet Gemini’s system requirements, Google Assistant will continue working for now. The Gemini mobile app is available on:
- Android phones, including many foldables
- Android tablets, such as the Pixel Tablet
- Devices with at least 2GB RAM, running Android 10 or higher
Google also plans to bring Gemini to tablets, cars, and connected accessories like headphones and watches. A Gemini-powered experience will also roll out to home devices, including speakers, displays, and TVs.
Marquardt noted that further details will be shared in the coming months but assured, “Until then, Google Assistant will continue to operate on these devices.”
What’s Next for Gemini
Since launching last year, Gemini has expanded to over 40 languages and more than 200 countries, Marquardt said. The team continues refining the experience, especially for users accustomed to Google Assistant. Recent updates have introduced frequently requested features, such as playing music, setting timers, and performing actions from the lock screen.
Beyond that, Marquardt highlighted that Gemini surpasses Google Assistant’s capabilities. Features like Gemini Live, enabling fluid, multimodal conversations, and Deep Research, which transforms Gemini into a personal research assistant, showcase AI’s growing potential. “And we’re just getting started,” he added.