What Happened

Google has announced that they will continue their work to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026, instead of its original plans to make the switch by the end of 2025. The announcement came as a follow-up to the recent unveiling of the Google Pixel 8a, which features a more advanced Assistant than previous models.

Why It Matters

The upgrade to Gemini is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it ensures that users can access the full functionality of Assistant on their Android devices. Gemini offers features such as on-device language translation, hands-free video calling, and more. Second, the upgrade will help to streamline the transition to Android 13, which is expected to launch in 2028.

Context & Background

The announcement comes at a time when Google is facing increasing competition from Apple's Siri and other virtual assistants. To remain competitive, Google needs to constantly innovate and improve its Assistant technology. The upgrade to Gemini is a clear indication of Google's commitment to doing so.

What to Watch Next

The official launch date for the Gemini upgrade is not yet announced. However, it is expected to happen within the next year. In the meantime, users can expect to see more updates and improvements to Assistant on their Android devices.

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Source: The Verge – AI | Published: 2025-12-19