Pixel 9 Google Assistant Replaced With Gemini – But Can It Perform Basic Tasks?
Gemini is replacing Google Assistant as the default Android voice assistant. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.
Key Takeaways
- Google’s Pixel 9 is the first Android phone with Gemini as the default virtual assistant.
- However, many users may prefer to stick with Google Assistant.
- Gemini has been criticized for failing to adequately perform some of the most important functions of a smartphone assistant.
The latest version of Google’s Pixel phone has replaced Google Assistant with Gemini as the default virtual assistant.
Although the company hasn’t fully retired Google Assistant (users can still adjust their settings to switch back), many users have expressed frustration at the new direction.
Android’s AI Upgrade
Throughout 2024, Google has been pushing Gemini as the AI driving force of the Android operating system, releasing a string of new apps, features and integrations underpinned by the foundation model.
Until now, using the model as a virtual assistant required the Gemini app and it had limited access to Android system settings. However, “with Gemini deeply integrated into Android, we’re rebuilding the operating system with AI at the core,” Google said on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Unlike Google Assistant, which is built around a set of predefined commands, Gemini is designed to engage with users in a more intuitive, conversational way. Unfortunately, early reviews of the platform haven’t been good.
Gemini User Experience Criticized
Because Google Assistant is programmed to carry out a limited set of strictly defined tasks, its user experience is fairly straightforward, even if it isn’t necessarily sophisticated.
But try to perform many of those same tasks with Gemini and the model fails.
No Note-Taking
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at Gemini is its poor note-taking ability.
Recording and transcribing voice notes are among the most popular use cases for mobile assistants. Google Assistant does this through Google Keep and Tasks. It can also create and modify lists in these apps.
Google has said it plans to launch Gemini extensions for Keep and Tasks in the coming weeks. But until then, the new AI can’t perform one of the most important functions required of a voice assistant.
Doesn’t Connect to all Streaming Services
Whereas Google Assistant can play music or podcasts from YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and other streaming services, Gemini is only connected to YouTube Music.
Poor Routines
Routines is a feature of Google Assistant that lets you automate multiple actions with a single command. For instance, it lets the app control multiple smart home devices at once, enabling commands like “switch off all the lights.”
In theory, Gemini also supports Routines. But because most Google Home devices still run the old-school Google Assistant, the integration is awkward at best.
No Support for Third-Party Apps
With Google Assistant, users can set up Shortcuts to control third-party apps. For example, the virtual assistant can connect to Uber, letting users order a ride with a voice command.
But the Big Tech firm hasn’t announced any plans to extend Shortcuts to Gemini.
The lack of third-party support significantly inhibits the platform’s potential, limiting the scope of Gemini integrations to the Google ecosystem. This closed-off approach could become a major weakness for Google, especially as its smartphone rival Apple pursues greater programmability and connectivity via upgrades to the App Intents framework built into the upcoming Apple Intelligence iOS upgrade.
Battle of the Voice Assistants
Of course, Google isn’t the only firm doubling down on AI voice assistants.
Leading the charge, the Llama-powered Meta AI was launched in April, bringing voice control to the company’s range of apps and devices. Shortly after, OpenAI released GPT-4o, although the platform has been subject to safety concerns. Apple’s Siri is set to receive a major AI upgrade with iOS 18 in October.
Artificial Intelligence certainly has a role to play in building more capable virtual assistants. But if developers don’t nail the user experience, it can feel like a case of technology for technology’s sake.
Too Much AI Too Soon?
Gemini’s disappointing performance as a smartphone assistant may be a case of Google rushing out new AI services too soon.
Much as “post-smartphone” AI devices have generally failed to live up to the hype, Google’s AI-powered mobile assistant promises a lot but delivers much less.
With so many rivals also working on the concept, the firm will need to work fast to iron out Gemini’s bugs and shortcomings if it is to remain competitive.
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