A vague message posted on Google's Android Auto support forum warned that Google Assistant would only be “available for use until March 2026,” prompting reports of the voice assistant's untimely demise. However, these reports may be somewhat premature.
Google official Android Auto Support Forum reads as follows:
“Gemini replaces Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Learn more about what you can do with Gemini, privacy, protections for minors, and availability for supported devices, languages, and territories. Gemini will understand the same commands as Google Assistant and also give you the ability to speak naturally. Google Assistant remains available for use until March 2026.”
The latest suggestion that Google Assistant will remain “available for use until March 2026” certainly sounds like the end of Assistant, but it's important to note that this message only appeared on the Android Auto support page. This suggests that this change only applies to Android Auto, and Google confirmed this to us when we asked about the change – those who use Assistant on their phones can breathe easy for now.
Another note is the claim that “Gemini will understand the same commands as Google Assistant,” which isn't really supported in other areas. For example, many users are having issues with Gemini not working the same way as Google Assistant on Google Home speakers. Edge Earlier this month, problems were reported that people were having when using Gemini on Google Home speakers, with common problems including Gemini not understanding requests and not controlling home devices properly – two things that voice assistants should do very well at this stage. We hope that Android Auto users will not encounter such problems.
While the time has come for Assistant on Android Auto, Google will likely remove Assistant from other places soon. Earlier this year Google announced that it would convert Google Assistant to Gemini on more mobile phones. However, Gemini's minimum system requirements are Android 10 and at least 2GB of RAM, meaning some devices will be able to avoid the changes.
Source: Google Support Forum By using: 9to5Google
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