- Gemini is added to older devices with Google Assistant
- Hidden code reveals update coming soon
- “Improved Assistant” will offer more complete answers
Rather confusingly, Google has two smart assistants in play right now: Gemini and Google Assistant. At least for now, Google Assistant is staying on smart displays and speakers, but now we have some clues about how Gemini will help.
The 9to5Google team spotted hidden code in Google's latest Android app that referenced “an improved Assistant” with richer responses, better understanding of your instructions, and a new set of voices to choose from.
At the same time as the launches of the fourth-generation Google TV Streamer and Google Nest Thermostat, we heard that Gemini would be front and center for new products, but that Google Assistant would still be working on older hardware.
Based on code found by 9to5Google, which is not yet enabled and may be modified before its release to the rest of the world, it appears that the additional intelligence available in Gemini will soon be added to Google Assistant on Nest speakers and displays.
changing
Google clearly sees Gemini as the future when it comes to AI-powered smart assistants. It's preloaded on the new Pixel 9 phones (see our Google Pixel 9 Pro review for more details, for example) and is being embedded into several Google apps.
However, there are a large number of devices available with Google Assistant, including third-party hardware that is not made by Google, which means that support for the older AI robot will have to continue for the foreseeable future.
Hopefully, as far as user experience goes, this ongoing transition will be fairly seamless: you'll simply speak or type your requests and the AI will respond accordingly, no matter what assistant you're using behind the scenes.
Gemini is slowly but surely adding support for all the tasks Google Assistant is capable of, while also providing a set of smarter, deeper responses when needed, thanks to generative AI, and it looks like soon It will reach more smart devices.