In a significant shift in its digital assistant strategy, Google has announced that it will be retiring Google Assistant later this year, paving the way for its new AI initiative, Gemini. This transition marks a pivotal moment for users of Google’s voice-activated technology, as several underutilized features will also be removed. Among the notable features facing the axe are Interpreter mode, daily updates, and Family Bell.
As part of this transition, Google is streamlining the Assistant experience by discontinuing certain functionalities that have not garnered significant user engagement. According to an updated support page reported by 9to5Google, the following features will be removed:
Favorite, Share, and Photo Location Queries: Users will no longer be able to ask Google Assistant to favorite or share photos or inquire about when and where photos were taken. However, these actions can still be performed directly within the Google Photos app. Voice Control for Photo Frame Settings: Changing photo frame settings or ambient screen settings via voice commands will no longer be supported. Users can still manage these settings through their Smart Display settings. Interpreter Mode: This feature, which enabled live conversation translations, will be discontinued. Users can still translate single words or phrases using Google Assistant. Birthday Reminder Notifications: While birthday reminders will no longer be part of daily routines, users can still request Google Assistant to set reminders for important birthdays. Family Bell Announcements: The ability to schedule or hear previously set Family Bell announcements will be removed. Daily Updates: Routine daily updates, such as weather notifications, will no longer be available. However, users can create custom routines to receive updates. Google Assistant on Car Accessories: The integration of Google Assistant with Bluetooth-connected car accessories will be limited.In light of these changes, Google recommends setting up Routines as a workaround for the features being phased out. For example, users can create a custom Routine to receive daily weather updates, thus maintaining some functionality similar to what Google Assistant previously offered. Although Google has not provided a specific date for the removal of these features, users will receive notifications when they attempt to use a retiring feature, informing them of the upcoming discontinuation.
As Google shifts its focus towards Gemini, users can expect an enhanced experience that prioritizes the functionalities they love. This transition, however, does come with the sacrifice of certain features that were once staples of the Google Assistant experience. As the landscape of digital assistance evolves, users will need to adapt to these changes while embracing the new capabilities offered by Gemini.
In conclusion, while the retirement of Google Assistant may signal the end of an era, it also opens the door to innovative advancements in AI technology. Stay tuned for updates as Google continues to refine and improve its offerings in the realm of digital assistance.
