Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Google is gradually replacing its well-known Assistant with Gemini on Android devices. This new AI-driven version promises more natural interactions, but it appears to fall short of its predecessor in several key areas. Many users are finding that Gemini struggles with basic tasks and integration with Google services, leaving much to be desired.
Google has decided to retire its trusty Assistant early, making way for Gemini , a chatbot powered by large language models. The idea is to offer smoother conversations and more relevant responses. On paper, it seems like a promising upgrade.
However, while Gemini excels in conversational capabilities, it struggles to match Google Assistant’s performance in everyday tasks. From relatively precise local searches to flawed or even impossible note-taking, and unpredictable weather updates, the list of complaints keeps growing. With promises of future improvements and missing features, Gemini is dividing opinions. Is this a case of growing pains, or has Google jumped the gun to outpace Apple, which is still delaying its AI launch?
Gemini: The High-Tech Successor to Google Assistant
Google is accelerating its innovation by gradually replacing Google Assistant with Gemin-i on Android devices. This technological transition aligns with Mountain View’s broader strategy to infuse AI across all its services.
Unlike Google Assistant, which relies on predefined rules and a structured knowledge base, Gemin-i leverages large language models. This technology enables it to understand and generate text more contextually, leading to smoother interactions and more nuanced responses.
Google’s ambition is clear: Gemin-i is designed to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT while retaining the practical features that made Google Assistant so popular. Gemin-i introduces new functionalities, such as the “Gemini Live” mode, a premium feature that enhances the classic version. Owners of the upcoming Pixel 9 devices will enjoy a year of free access to this service.
As for integrations, Gemin-i aims to be compatible with the existing ecosystem and supports Google Assistant routines, though with some limitations for now. Nonetheless, Google is working on extensions to connect Gemin-i to third-party services like Spotify.
Despite these advancements, the rollout has encountered some hiccups. While Gemin-i excels in conversational tasks, it falls short of Google Assistant in some daily activities. And for some users, it’s simply not good enough.
Why Replacing Google Assistant with Gemini Isn’t Working
As often happens, the true effectiveness of a new product becomes apparent only in real-world use. Gemin-i is no exception. After being put to the test by users accustomed to the efficiency of Google Assistant, the AI-driven assistant has faced sharp criticism for its shortcomings. A particularly scathing article on Fast Company even labeled the replacement a “disaster,” highlighting Gemini’s two steps back where Assistant took three steps forward.
The list of complaints is long, but a few stand out. For example, Gemini’s local search results are often inaccurate. Where Google Assistant provided precise, contextualized information about nearby businesses, Gemini frequently delivers only the bare minimum. Detailed hours, one-click call buttons, or Google Maps directions are notably absent.
Routine management is another issue. Gemin-i struggles with voice note-taking and effectively handling to-do lists features that many users relied on Google Assistant for. And when it comes to weather forecasts, which most users check at least once a day, the results are inconsistent. You might find yourself needing both an umbrella and sunglasses, along with a turtleneck over your crop top.
Integration with Google and third-party services also takes a hit. Currently, Gemin-i connects only to YouTube Music, while its predecessor handled a wide range of streaming services. Podcasts and ambient sounds are no longer supported. Even the once-convenient photo search in Google Photos is missing.
And given our ever-busy schedules, the least you can expect from an AI assistant like Gemini is responsiveness. Unfortunately, users report a noticeable lag of several seconds compared to its predecessor.
As the saying goes, “If you can’t get the best, make do with what’s available.” Google is attempting to mitigate the situation by continuing to delegate some tasks to the old Assistant while they work on updates for Gemini. This may prompt those resistant to change to question the point of switching at all.
