Google already offers Gemini as the default voice assistant on Android smartphones and tablets. The web giant has announced its intention to go even further by making Gemini the new default assistant on a multitude of devices. Google's announcement comes a week before the I/O conference and confirms its intention to do away with Google Assistant. Launched in 2016, the aging assistant no longer really competes with chatbots based on large language models (LLM), such as its successor Gemini and numerous rivals such as ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), Le Chat (Mistral AI), Llama (Meta) or Microsoft Copilot.
Gemini is coming to watches, TVs and even Android XR headsets
In addition to taking a new turn on Android Auto and cars with Google built-in, Gemini will replace Google Assistant on several key operating systems in the coming months:
- Wear OS 6: the new version of the operating system for smartwatches. On these devices, Gemini aims to be useful when the phone is not at hand, such as while cooking, between meetings, or on a bike ride. It will be possible to speak naturally to ask for help, such as setting reminders (“Remember I’m using locker 43 today”) or getting information from other apps directly on the watch.
- Google TV: The interface found on many smart TVs, set-top boxes (like the Freebox Pop), or boxes such as the Google TV Streamer 4K. Gemini will arrive on Google TV later this year and can help find appropriate movie recommendations for children or even answer their questions on topics like the solar system, by displaying relevant YouTube videos.
- Android XR: Google’s upcoming system designed for headsets and glasses, in collaboration with Samsung, will get Gemini as the default assistant. It will include image recognition, and on the first Samsung headset, expected later this year, Gemini will be able to help plan vacations by presenting videos, maps, and local advice.
The Mountain View firm is not expected to definitively turn the page on Google Assistant, since the old assistant should still help with simple, local tasks.
Smart speakers: the next step for Gemini?
While Gemini is natively installed on smartphones, tablets, cars, watches, and TVs, it still isn't present on smart speakers. This absence is bound to be noticeable, especially since Google Assistant first made its mark on the first Google Home speaker in 2016. Last year, the company conducted tests integrating Gemini into some Google Nest speakers, and Google may discuss the subject further at the I/O conference.
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