Google is introducing a new set of updates to Gemini for Home and the Google Home app, with the most notable change being the addition of pre-made routines to the Automations section. This allows users to activate routines with just a tap, making automation more accessible.
Previously, creating automations in Google Home involved selecting triggers, conditions, and actions, which could be overwhelming for those who aren’t tech-savvy. This complexity often discouraged many users from utilizing automations altogether.
The latest update aims to simplify this process by offering ready-to-use automations for common scenarios like home security, morning routines, or energy conservation. Users can also customize these suggested automations to better suit their preferences or dismiss them if they’re not helpful.
In addition to automations, Gemini for Home has received several improvements. Visual display cards for weather updates and general knowledge responses on smart screens have been modernized for a cleaner appearance. Sports-related information, such as scores, schedules, and standings, is now more precise.
The Continued Conversation feature in Gemini is also more dependable, with Google ensuring that follow-up questions and consecutive commands will now be handled more smoothly, without interruptions caused by voice verification prompts. The update includes smaller enhancements and bug fixes, such as a dedicated light toggle in camera views for select outdoor security cameras and more reliable setup for older Nest cameras.
While Google Assistant is a helpful tool to have around, there are times when you might prefer it to stay quiet. Whether it’s accidentally responding to commands when you’re not talking to it or being triggered by voices from your TV, some users find it better to turn off the feature altogether. You can disable Google Assistant completely on your smartphone or restrict its functions to better control how it interacts with your smart devices.
Here’s how to turn off Google Assistant on your phone and manage its settings effectively:
Disabling Google Assistant on Your Smartphone
Depending on your device and software, there are a few ways to disable Google Assistant. Generally, the process involves:
Opening the Google app on your phone.
Tapping your profile picture at the top right to access the options menu.
Selecting Settings.
Tapping Google Assistant.
Going to the General menu and toggling off Google Assistant.
If these steps don’t work for your device, you can also go directly into your phone’s main Settings menu:
Find and select Assistants or Apps & Notifications.
Tap on Assistant.
Turn off or disable Google Assistant from there.
Managing Smart Home Devices Linked to Google Assistant
Since many devices support Google Assistant integration, you might want to review or change which devices are connected. Here’s a simple way to check and modify those settings:
Open the Google Home app.
Tap Settings.
Select Google Assistant.
Tap Manage all Assistant settings.
Choose Devices to see all connected gadgets.
From this menu, you can add, remove, or change permissions for your smart devices, giving you better control over your connected home.
Adjusting Google Assistant’s Voice Trigger Settings
If Google Assistant responds to your voice when you’re not actively issuing commands, you can customize its trigger preferences. For example, on certain phones like Samsung Galaxy models, you can:
Navigate to Settings > Apps.
Tap the three dots at the top-right corner and select Default Apps.
Tap Device Assistance App or Assist App.
Access Voice Match settings via the gear icon.
Here, you can toggle off Access with Voice Match, or customize when and how Assistant listens for commands.
This way, you can prevent unintended activations, especially in environments where privacy or frequent interruptions are a concern.
Here’s a visual guide on turning off Google Assistant:
Insert image of device menus showing how to disable Assistant.
By following these steps, you can tailor your experience with Google Assistant to better suit your preferences, whether that means turning it off completely or limiting its responsiveness to certain triggers.
Users are experiencing significant disruptions due to a glitch with Google Assistant that’s affecting Do Not Disturb profiles. This issue has led many to miss alarms, appointments, and various notifications. The problem was first highlighted on Reddit earlier today by u/Rawalanche, who noticed it began after recent updates introducing new Do Not Disturb modes for Pixel devices.
The report indicated that any customized Do Not Disturb profile—like ones permitting calls from specific contacts or apps—will only function if activated through the device’s Settings or the notification menu. Attempting to enable these profiles using Google Assistant fails to activate them and results in the phone being silenced entirely.
Numerous users have confirmed that this bug affects their devices as well, suggesting it stems from the latest software update. It’s likely that Google will need to roll out a fix to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, users can mitigate the problem by manually turning on their Do Not Disturb settings instead of relying on voice commands.
According to u/Rawalanche, this glitch poses a serious risk, particularly for those who need to receive phone calls from specific individuals—such as someone caring for a relative in poor health who relies on being notified of important communications.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
The recent Modes update launched in March, and reactions have been mixed—many users are unhappy with the removal of the one-tap Do Not Disturb setting. Currently, the only method for quickly enabling Do Not Disturb with a single tap is by utilizing third-party applications.
As Google transitions from Google Assistant to the more advanced Gemini AI across its ecosystem, some integrations—like on LG TVs—are being phased out. However, this shift is not inherently negative; Gemini brings enhanced capabilities and performance for daily tasks, improving overall user experience.
The inevitable change away from Google Assistant has been announced. Google confirmed that users will transition to Gemini as their primary AI assistant on devices in the upcoming months, meaning Google Assistant will no longer be accessible.
Currently, users can still set Google Assistant as the default assistant on Android phones, even on newer models that launch with Gemini pre-installed. This transition will also encompass smartwatches, Android Auto, tablets, smart home technology, TVs, and audio devices.
“We’re also introducing a revamped experience powered by Gemini for home devices such as speakers, displays, and televisions,” says Google. However, they have not specified when this transition will fully take place. Following the switch, Google Assistant will be phased out from various devices and removed from app stores.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Gemini can already interact with numerous Google apps and several third-party applications. Users can request tasks across different services without having to navigate through individual apps. Beyond Google’s offerings like Docs, Drive, and Gmail, Gemini can also operate tasks in applications like WhatsApp and Spotify, as well as a number of Samsung apps.
Which devices are transitioning to Gemini?
Gemini will support most features that users currently enjoy with Google Assistant. Core functions like managing smart home devices, accessing the assistant from the lock screen, setting routines, song identification, and messaging will also be available with Gemini.
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Many of these features have been refined in Gemini to deliver an upgraded experience. For instance, it excels in handling reminders, managing events, and processing inquiries related to Google Maps, Google Drive, and YouTube videos, while also being aware of on-screen context.
Here’s a general list of device compatibility for those set to upgrade to Gemini in the coming months:
Devices with a minimum of 2 GB RAM.
Android version 10 or higher.
iPhones running iOS 16 or newer.
The virtual assistant on your headphones will align with the version installed on your phone, except for budget-friendly Android Go devices, which provide a simplified Google experience. Since no new Android Go phones have been released recently, it’s understandable that Gemini will not be moving forward with these models.
What changes come with Gemini?
Starting with the activation word, there’s no need for concern; the familiar “Hey Google” prompt will continue to serve as the hotword to evoke Gemini, just like it did for Google Assistant. For devices not yet upgraded, using “Hey Google” will still summon Google Assistant without any limitations.
To make the transition as smooth as possible, especially regarding familiarity, Google will carry over certain user data from Google Assistant to Gemini. Assuming all necessary on-device permissions have been granted, Gemini will automatically have access to user information related to calls and messages.
“We will utilize some preferences and history from Google Assistant when we transition your device to Gemini,” states Google in a support document. Thankfully, users will not encounter any functional limitations. In the upcoming months, Gemini will also review your search history to provide more personalized responses. Eventually, it will be able to engage with Photos as well.
What makes this a superior option?
Gemini is a substantial upgrade over Google Assistant in terms of technological foundation. Whereas Google Assistant was primarily an AI built on natural language understanding, Gemini is designed as a natural language chatbot capable of sophisticated reasoning and comprehension.
Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini operates more like a knowledge repository trained on a vast range of information, allowing it to function offline for many tasks. It can engage in free-flowing conversations across multiple languages, but its true strength lies in its ability to interpret various input forms.
For instance, by uploading a PDF, Gemini can analyze and summarize the content for you. It can process images, text, audio, and even live video in a technically defined process known as multimodal processing. Furthermore, Gemini has capabilities for generating images.
In terms of problem-solving abilities, Gemini can tackle complex questions related to science, mathematics, and coding—areas where Google Assistant falls short. In the forthcoming months, with the introduction of Project Astra, Gemini will be able to interpret the real world through camera input in real time.
Beyond these features, there are several other capabilities that far exceed those of Google Assistant. For example, the newly available Deep Research tool can conduct extensive web research and generate comprehensive reports in just minutes, a task that typically demands hours of searching and compiling information.
Additionally, there are Gems, custom user-created versions of the Gemini assistant tailored for specific tasks. Anyone can create these Gems without needing coding skills, using only natural language instructions. Previously restricted to paying users, these features have been made freely available to all users as of March this year.
Another significant advantage of Gemini is its diverse format options, each suited for specific capabilities. Unlike Google Assistant's more rigid approach, Gemini allows users to select models based on the nature of the tasks they wish to complete.
For instance, if a user needs assistance with tasks based on a lengthy book they've uploaded, the “Pro” model is ideal. Alternatively, the “Flash” model offers quick and efficient responses for everyday assistant tasks.
In summary, Gemini represents a monumental leap forward from Google Assistant, both in versatility and functionality. If you own an advanced smartphone capable of running the Gemini Nano model, the assistant will manage tasks such as real-time translation without requiring an internet connection.
If you use Google Assistant with devices like the JBL Link Drive or the Anker Roav Bolt, you might want to pay attention: a recent code discovery in the Google app’s beta version suggests that the microphones could soon be disabled. The team at 9to5Google unearthed these code snippets during an APK teardown, hinting at the future of Google Assistant for automotive use.
A specific string labeled “assistant_car_accessory_deprecation” states: “By the way, Google Assistant on your car accessory will be discontinued in coming weeks. To keep using Assistant, invoke queries either on your Mobile or via Android Auto.” These particular accessories were launched in 2019 to allow drivers of older vehicles to access Google Assistant, meaning even the earliest users have utilized them for just about six years.
This development isn’t shocking given Google’s track record of discontinuing services, but there’s another factor at play. Android Auto has gained popularity over recent years and has emerged as a competitor to Apple CarPlay. Additionally, Google Assistant is poised for a significant shift, as many of its current capabilities will be integrated into the upcoming Gemini platform.
Google / Google
It’s important to note that APK teardowns do not definitively predict the future; they showcase early-stage code, and the final outcome might differ from what’s initially discovered. While it seems highly likely that these devices will soon lose compatibility, Google has not yet specified a timeline for when this will take place. The company has also not updated its support documentation to indicate an end to service for either the Link Drive or the Roav Bolt.
Nonetheless, Google encourages users to transition to Android Auto. The Assistant Driving Mode remains available, though it has become much simpler than it used to be. For a more comprehensive experience, Android Auto is recommended as the best alternative.
In response to this situation, some users have proposed that these devices be configured to activate Gemini instead of the standard Assistant; however, uncertainty remains about the future of these accessories.
For years, Google Assistant has been the primary virtual assistant on Wear OS devices. However, recent findings in the beta version 16.0.5 of Wear OS indicate that a new contender, Gemini, may take center stage. Lines of decompiled code hint at Gemini’s potential integration into future Wear OS updates.
Users currently engage with Google Assistant by saying, “Hey Google,” with the screen on or by pressing the side button. The assistant is capable of sending messages, playing music, and responding to inquiries directly from the watch interface. An APK teardown conducted by the team at 9to5Google uncovered a snippet that suggests significant changes ahead, highlighted by the phrase: “Easily communicate back and forth to accomplish more with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI.”
This brief mention raises questions about the specifics of what Gemini may introduce to Wear OS. It doesn’t necessarily mean that Google Assistant will be completely replaced; rather, Gemini could serve as an enhancement that complements the existing assistant’s features.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
For clarity, here’s a glimpse of the strings in the code:
<string name=”assistant_bisto_wearable_welcome_robin_description”>Easily communicate back and forth to accomplish more with an assistant on your watch, reimagined with Google AI</string>
While these revelations are intriguing, they solely provide a preliminary hint at potential developments for Wear OS. It’s important to note that this isn’t an official declaration from Google. The snippets of code could merely reflect experiments within Google’s development team.
If Google is indeed planning to implement Gemini, further details are likely forthcoming. The Gemini AI initiative is becoming a significant focus for the company, and its introduction to wearable technology could represent a considerable advancement.
If you are a Gemini user considering transitioning to Google Assistant, you’ve come to the right spot. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for making the switch from Gemini to Google Assistant.
Even before the AI craze took off, Android users had the popular Google Assistant app, which easily met most requirements. While it may not have had all the advanced features of other assistants like Gemini, it was reliable and performed tasks smoothly.
This sentiment does not apply to AI assistant apps at the moment. Many users are encountering bugs and problems, causing them to consider switching back from Gemini to Google Assistant.
How to change Gemini Assistant to Google Assistant
When you install the Gemini app, your device will probably set it as the default assistant app without your explicit consent. Given the existing bugs and glitches, you may prefer to switch back to Google Assistant. The good news is that the default setting is not permanent, and you can easily adjust this setting according to your preference. This gives you full control to switch from Gemini back to Google Assistant at any time.
To switch from Gemini to Google Assistant, follow these steps:
1. Goto Settings
2. Tap “Search” and write “Assitant Settings”
3. Tap on Assistant Settings
4. Scroll Down and Tap “Digital assistants from Google”
5. Now select “Google Assistant”
We trust that this guide has assisted you in transitioning from Gemini to Google Assistant. If you have any inquiries or recommendations, please feel free to share them in the comments section.
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