Last Thursday, Google introduced its Gemini mobile app to Android, providing users with the option to replace the trusty Google Assistant with Gemini if they so choose. This means actions like pressing the power button or uttering “Hey Google” will now activate Gemini instead of the usual Google Assistant. While Gemini may not match the Assistant’s prowess in voice assistant-related tasks, it excels in activities that leverage Google’s artificial intelligence.
However, Android users can’t seamlessly enjoy the best of both worlds. Initial expectations suggested users could utilize Assistant as their voice assistant alongside Gemini as an AI chatbot app. Contrary to this assumption, opting for the Gemini app requires users to replace Assistant entirely during setup. Notably, the Assistant app icon transforms into Gemini, giving the appearance of duplicating the app.
Although users can switch back to Assistant after choosing Gemini, it comes with a significant drawback. Reverting to Assistant causes the Gemini app to undergo a complete reset, which requires users to set it up again and, in turn, replace Google Assistant once more.
Currently, using the Gemini app and Google Assistant simultaneously seems practically impossible. This restriction appears arbitrary, with speculation suggesting Google aims to steer users from Assistant to Gemini. Those with Google Assistant still have the option to utilize Gemini using the web interface, albeit sacrificing the convenience of having Gemini as a standalone app directly on their device.
Google’s recent announcement of removing 17 features from Google Assistant, coupled with reported layoffs of Assistant employees, raises questions about the future of Assistant. The inability to integrate Gemini and Assistant seamlessly may lead some users to stick with the familiar Assistant, especially given Gemini’s limited functionality at launch. While Gemini can handle tasks like starting timers or making calls, it falls short in capabilities such as setting reminders or creating Google Calendar events, not to mention the lack of smart home integrations.
Whether this limitation is an unintentional aspect of the Gemini app or a deliberate choice remains uncertain. Google has assured that Assistant isn’t going away anytime soon, but if the current behavior is intentional, it could potentially drive users towards adopting Gemini over Assistant.
