Google has begun rolling out the long-planned Google Assistant Gemini transition for portable devices. This change, which began in early September, is completely transforming users’ digital assistant experience.

Previously planned for 2025 and 2026, this transition gained momentum with Google’s announcement in early August. According to current user reports, this transition has been activated on devices across the United States and Europe.

Assistant Option Completely Removed

With the latest updates to the Gemini application, the settings that allowed users to revert to the old assistant have also been disabled. In Google app version 17.60 stable and 17.62 beta, the “Switch to Google Assistant” shortcut is located at the bottom of the account menu is no longer visible. This change means users can no longer use or return to Google Assistant on their phones, tablets, or paired devices. This restriction also applies to Wear OS devices, headphones, and the Android Auto platform. Gemini has now become the default voice assistant experience on Android devices, activated by long-pressing the power button or swiping from the corners of the screen. Google seems to have completely closed the door on returning to the old assistant interface to solidify this new interface on portable devices. The situation remains unchanged for smart home devices. Google Nest and Google Home smart speakers, displays, and other Assistant-enabled devices continue to maintain their current operating procedures.

The company has not yet shared any new information about a transition process or Gemini integration for these devices. Users can continue to use their smart speakers and displays at home as before.

This major transformation in the Android ecosystem clearly demonstrates that Google is centering its mobile strategy around Gemini. Users can now only interact with Gemini on their mobile devices, and some features offered by the old assistant have been integrated into this new structure.

What do you think about this radical change by Google?

With the Google Assistant Gemini transition, Gemini has become the default assistant on Android devices. The option to revert to the old assistant has been removed.

Google, Devices, Assistant, User, Gemini