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Google plans to kill Assistant on your phone on September 4
Ars Technica • • technology
Key Points:
- Google will retire its pre-AI Google Assistant on Android devices starting September 4, transitioning users to the new Gemini AI assistant.
- The shutdown affects not only phones but also connected devices like smartwatches, headphones, and cars using Android Auto, with most smart home devices already moved to Gemini.
- Some platforms, such as Android TVs, set-top boxes, and vehicles with Google built-in, will switch to Gemini later, but no timeline has been provided.
- Users with older devices that don’t meet Gemini’s specs or those in unsupported regions may retain Assistant temporarily, but most will lose access within weeks.
- Gemini offers more advanced AI capabilities but may be less predictable and more complex than the original Assistant, potentially causing an adjustment period for users.
