Gemini to take over from Google Assistant on Android phones in late 2025
More than a year after its debut and several updates, Gemini is ready to step in for Google Assistant on Android phones by late 2025. This change comes after recent model upgrades and the rollout of Deep Research to everyone.
Google shared today that the “old-school Google Assistant will soon disappear from most phones.” This shift will happen “later this year,” and users will get a clear heads-up with an exact date. In the next few months, people still using Assistant will notice a pop-up encouraging them to switch.
There’s a small catch: phones running Android 9 or older with less than 2 GB of RAM won’t switch. Those devices will keep the current Assistant setup. This move follows new Android phones—like Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola—rolling out over the past year with Gemini as the go-to helper. Google says “tons of users have already jumped on board.”
When Gemini first arrived in February 2024, it didn’t have all the phone assistant tricks up its sleeve, so Google made it easy to switch back to Assistant. Since then, the Gemini app has added handy features, like working from the lock screen and managing phone tasks with a Utilities option.
Before saying goodbye to Assistant, Google is “working hard to make Gemini better every day, especially for fans of the classic Assistant experience.” Looking back, Google pointed out how Assistant’s voice and language tech, launched in 2016, made getting help feel more natural. Now, almost ten years later, generative AI is shaking things up again, changing how we use gadgets.
Today, Google shared its big plans for Gemini, including video and screen-sharing features powered by Astra, coming this month. They said, “We want an assistant that feels personal, knows what’s happening around you, works with your apps, and helps you get more done while sparking your creativity and curiosity.”
Plus, Gemini is expanding to watches, cars, tablets, and headphones. It’s already on Pixel Buds and showing up on Wear OS. Google also teased a “fresh Gemini-powered experience” for speakers, displays, and TVs, with more news soon. It’s being tested on Nest Mini and Audio, and TVs got a sneak peek in January.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design
Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes
Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use
Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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