On Friday, it was announced that Gemini will be taking over from Google Assistant on Android phones. This significant shift comes amid a series of feature removals for Google Assistant, signifying a shift in how Google aims to enhance user experiences on its platforms.
In a surprising move, Google revealed that Google Assistant will be losing seven additional features. This update follows an earlier announcement at the beginning of 2024, where Google detailed the removal of 18 features across various devices, including Android phones, smart displays, and speakers. The recent updates include capabilities that many users have come to rely on.
The seven features that will no longer be available include:
Favoriting and sharing photos using voice commands. Asking where and when photos were taken. Changing photo frame settings or ambient screen settings with voice commands. Using the interpreter mode for translating live conversations. Receiving birthday reminder notifications as part of Routines. Scheduling or hearing Family Bell announcements. Getting daily updates such as weather reports through Assistant.Despite these removals, users still have alternatives. For instance, you can continue to favorite and share photos directly within the Google Photos app, and details about your photos’ timestamps and locations remain accessible via Smart Displays and tablets.
While some may find the transition challenging, many of these features can still be accessed through alternative methods. For example, you can adjust your photo frame settings manually in your Smart Display settings rather than through voice commands. Likewise, the interpreter mode, which was initially introduced in 2019, will still function for single-word or phrase translations, although the more advanced replacements can be found in the dedicated Google Translate app.
Routines, a popular feature among users, will still allow you to schedule reminders for birthdays and receive daily updates, such as weather notifications. Users can learn more about creating and managing Routines to maximize their use of the platform.
While the changes to photo frame slideshows are minor, they do impact overall convenience for users. Features like Family Bell, which has become a user favorite, will now be managed through Routines. This shift suggests that Google is focusing on enhancing the Routines feature to compensate for the capabilities being removed from Google Assistant.
Overall, these updates mark a notable transition in how Google is positioning its voice assistant services. As Gemini takes the helm, users will need to adapt to the new functionalities while navigating the removal of familiar features. For those accustomed to using Google Assistant, the changes may require some adjustment but also present an opportunity to explore new capabilities offered through the Gemini platform.
