On Friday, Google revealed that the Google Assistant’s time is coming to an end. The company intends to migrate most Android devices to Gemini, encompassing a wide range of products including phones, tablets, devices connected to phones, headphones, and even the in-car Assistant. The only devices exempt from this transition are those with 2GB of RAM or less or those not running a compatible version of Android.

This marks the first official announcement from Google regarding the phasing out of the Google Assistant, although it was not entirely unexpected. Gemini has already become the default experience on most mainstream Android devices, including those from Google, Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and various international brands. Google claims that “millions of people have already made the switch,” but it’s questionable how many did so voluntarily. Personally, I was not eager to make the change initially and only did so because I realized it was necessary to keep up with the latest smartphone developments.

I am saddened by this development, as the transition from the Google Assistant to Gemini has been nothing short of chaotic. Witnessing Google gradually limit the functionality of my smart home and other Google-integrated devices has been disheartening. I am concerned about my trusty dongle barely functioning in my old car. Moreover, I am thinking about the Lenovo smart clock I use daily to wake up and turn off the lights. I have reached out to Google and the device manufacturers for guidance, anticipating a wave of disappointment among users as they realize their Google Assistant devices will soon become obsolete. It’s ironic that the concept of using paperweights has become outdated.

Gemini offers several improvements over its predecessor, providing a more conversational experience and allowing users to engage in self-dialogue. I recently shared a 15-minute video with a colleague, showcasing a back-and-forth conversation between Gemini and myself while researching a topic. Although Gemini did not yield the desired results, the experience highlighted the next evolution of digital assistants. They are designed to be more conversational, personal, and interactive, and with Gemini having achieved this, Google is now ready to deploy it widely.