Google Assistant Shutdown Begins Sept. 4 as Gemini Takes Over Android
Google confirmed it will permanently retire Google Assistant from Android mobile devices starting Sept. 4, replacing the decade-old voice assistant with Gemini as the default response to “Hey Google” and long-press power button commands. The company sent an email to existing Assistant users this week stating plainly that “Google Assistant on your mobile device is […]
Google Assistant will cease to exist on Android devices starting September 4, as the tech giant replaces it with Gemini as the default AI assistant. Google Assistant, launched in 2016, was a significant bet for the company to change how people interact with their devices, but after a decade, Google now views Gemini as the next leap in AI technology.
The migration from Google Assistant to Gemini will begin on September 4 and may take several weeks to complete, with devices losing the option to revert back permanently once the switch occurs. This transition affects not only smartphones and tablets but also Wear OS smartwatches, compatible headphones, earbuds, and Android Auto-equipped vehicles.
However, vehicles with built-in Google Assistant known as Android Automotive will continue using the older system beyond the deadline. While users can download the Gemini app from the Play Store to start using it immediately, some functions of the classic Assistant may not be available yet in Gemini, leading to temporary usability changes.
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