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Android users are not happy as Google have announced they're pulling a much-loved feature.
While Apple tends to dominate the mobile phone market with the iPhone, let's not forget the millions of users around the globe who are Android through and through. Apple gets plenty of heat for its iPhone updates draining battery, forcing us to use things we don't want to, or axing beloved features, but now, it's Android's turn.
Google is coming under fire for pulling a much-loved feature that will affect Android phones, tablets, and the likes of Google Nest speakers.
Despite calling this an 'upgrade' that's powered by artificial intelligence, there's been an immediate backlash to the fact that Google Assistant will no longer be available on 'most' mobile devices at the end of 2025.
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After being Google's own version of Apple's Siri since 2016, it's a popular way to set timers, fetch recipes, or control devices in your home.
An official blog post confirms that Google Assistant is being swapped out for Gemini: "Over the coming months, we’re upgrading more users on mobile devices from Google Assistant to Gemini; and later this year, the classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads on mobile app stores.
"Additionally, we’ll be upgrading tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches, to Gemini. We're also bringing a new experience, powered by Gemini, to home devices like speakers, displays and TVs."
Google says that details will be shared over the next few months and it's looking forward to the Gemini upgrade, but unfortunately for Android users, it's a decision that's not proving popular.
Posting on Reddit, one disgruntled user wrote: "One thing I hate about Google is they kill perfectly good things and call it innovation."
Another complained: "I just don't understand why they wouldn't stick with the Assistant branding. 'Gemini' has always been so vague and stupid IMO.
My mom knows what Google Assistant is supposed to do because it's in the name."
Someone else took things even further and threatened to go to iPhone due to their hatred of Gemini: "This honestly means that my next phone will probably be an iPhone. I've loved Android for 10+ years now but I rely on Google Assistant a ton and I know Siri is gonna keep on chugging."
A fourth concluded: "I used to be a big fan of Google Home. Switched to Alexa and never went back.
Others welcomed the change, with someone else saying that Google Assistant gives a lot of 'don't know' when asked simple questions.
The cull is immediate, with Google announcing a slew of features like live translations, birthday reminder notifications as part of Routines, and daily updates like weather immediately being removed from Google Assistant.
Change is something we all have to get used to, and while there are sure to be continued grumbles that Google Assistant is being shown the door, we're going to have to embrace our Google Assistant future.
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