This means:
- Downloading or updating the Assistant app now gives you Gemini instead.
- You can switch back to Assistant in the Gemini app settings.
- This might be Google’s first step towards replacing Assistant completely with Gemini.
- Some users are unaware of the switch and see two Gemini apps on their phones.
Overall, this may suggest Google is phasing out Assistant and transitioning users to the newer Gemini AI technology.
I’ve tried one extra layer of complexity - “Remind me to water the plants when I get home” or something like that. It has no idea what I’m asking it to do despite knowing the “remind me” phrase and knowing where my home is.
It used to work years ago. It’s not a technology problem. They changed their policy around location based reminders. One of the reasons I’m degoogling. I got rid of apple products too when they got rid of Google maps in favour of apple maps. Forcing a poorer product on users shows contempt for users.
But you can install any map app you like? There are plenty of legitimate reasons to not use an iPhone, but that’s not one of them.
Can install, but can’t default them.
Also a slightly degraded experience compared to the OEM app.
It wasn’t the app. It was the idea that rather than continue to default to a good app, they would default to their own poorer product, attempting to force it on consumers. I knew it would only get worse from there. No regrets. It’s just unfortunate that android continues to be further locked down too. It used to be more open and customisable.
On the old Nexus phones, didn’t you have to sign into Google to even use the device? At least that’s better now.
I was recently pleasantly surprised that this actually works with Siri, the former dunce child of mobile assistants. Stuff like “Remind me about X when I get in the car” also works now, so the reminder goes off when you connect to Carplay.