Google’s upcoming update to its Gemini AI assistant could mark the beginning of the end for Google Assistant. Once regarded as the top choice among virtual assistants, Google Assistant had a significant edge over competitors like Siri, Alexa, and Cortana. With superior accuracy in understanding commands and providing correct responses, Google Assistant seemed unbeatable. However, with the arrival of AI-driven Large Language Models (LLMs), the landscape is shifting.
These advanced AI systems are offering users more robust capabilities, and Google is aligning itself with this trend.
According to an email sent to Gemini users, major changes are coming to the Gemini platform on July 7th. One key update will enable Gemini to interact with your phone’s key apps, including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, even if your Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. This means that users can still perform tasks such as sending messages, making phone calls, and setting timers, even without allowing Google to use their activity data for AI model improvements. While this change ensures greater privacy control, users will still be able to complete essential tasks that they’d typically rely on Google Assistant for.
The privacy implications are significant. With Gemini Apps Activity disabled, Google’s AI will no longer use your conversations to refine or develop its models. However, there’s a catch: Google will temporarily store your user activity for 72 hours for security and user feedback purposes. If users want to delete their activity, they can easily turn off the Gemini Apps Activity feature and follow simple instructions to delete their data.
This shift comes as Google continues to position Gemini as a powerful replacement for Google Assistant. Originally exclusive to the Pixel devices, Google Assistant launched in 2016. Almost a decade later, AI models like Gemini are beginning to take over, offering a more versatile and advanced assistant experience. In the near future, Android users will be using Gemini not just for information but for tasks like setting alarms, making calls, and sending texts – capabilities that Google Assistant once dominated.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Siri is facing an uphill battle. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance Siri’s AI features, such as the delayed ‘Personal Siri’ function that was supposed to integrate with apps like calendar, emails, and texts, Google is already miles ahead in using Gemini as a comprehensive assistant.
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