GOOGLE is preparing to phase out one of its most iconic services after nine years.
The tech giant has become known for repeatedly culling products and apps – and another one will soon kick the bucket.
Google Assistant is set to begin disappearing early next year.
It’s part of Google’s grand plan to replace the voice-controlled helper with its newer and more powerful Gemini AI.
Google Assistant launched back in 2016, and was a direct rival to the likes of Apple‘s Siri and Amazon Alexa.
In March this year, Google confirmed that Google Assistant would be upgraded to Gemini.
And it noted: “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.
“Additionally, we’ll be upgrading tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches, to Gemini.
“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. Until then, Google Assistant will continue to operate on these devices.”
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Then in October, Google revealed that it was launching a new Gemini Home AI that would replace Google Assistant on its smart home gadgets.
At the time, Google said that it would be launching a new Google Home Speaker in spring 2026.
And now, Google has put out a new statement on its support pages revealing a specific cut-off for Google Assistant.
The update was posted to an Android Auto support page, but it also makes reference to “most mobile devices”.
Google’s new notice reads: “Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices.
“Gemini will understand the same commands as Google Assistant and also give you the option to speak naturally.
“Google Assistant is still available for use until March 2026.”
It’s unclear whether this cut-off applies to all devices with Google Assistant, or just phones and cars.
But it’s worth noting that like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto runs off your phone – rather than being an integral part of a car.
In any case, it seems certain that Google Assistant will be culled for most people early next year.
WHAT CAN YOU USE GOOGLE GEMINI FOR?
Here’s the official tip list from Google…
- Go Live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments.
- Connect with your favourite Google apps like Search, Youtube, Google Maps, Gmail, and more
- Study smarter and explore any topic with interactive visuals and real-world examples
- Unlock a world of expertise and get tailored information about any topic
- Plan trips better and faster
- Create AI-generated images in seconds
- Get summaries, deep dives, and source links, all in one place
- Brainstorm new ideas, or improve existing ones
Picture Credit: Google / The Sun
Instead, users will be asked to switch to Gemini, which is the newest version of Google’s AI.
The service was initially called Bard when it launched in early 2023.
But in early 2024, Google rebranded Bard to Gemini and now uses the term to describe its chatbot and AI models.
And earlier this year, Google showed off its Gemini for Home, which is a smart home version of Gemini that links up with your connected gadgets – like lighting and heating.