Google Cancels Google Assistant For Millions Of Users: Be Ready

Forbes - Mar 22nd, 2025
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Google is transitioning its Google Assistant to a more powerful AI-based system named Gemini. This change brings enhanced capabilities using large language models, allowing for more conversational and tailored interactions. While smartphones are the first to adopt Gemini, other devices like smart speakers, TVs, and wearables will follow suit. However, this transition will disrupt users who rely on certain Google Assistant features, as many are being discontinued or not fully supported by Gemini. Google aims to complete the smartphone transition by the end of 2025, after which Google Assistant will be inaccessible on most mobile devices.

The shift to Gemini has significant implications for users accustomed to Google Assistant's functionalities. Many features deemed underused by Google are being removed, causing dissatisfaction among users who depended on them. Additionally, the AI-based Gemini may initially respond slower and has the potential to provide inaccurate information, requiring users to verify responses. Despite these challenges, the powerful capabilities of Gemini promise improved functionalities in the long run. Users need to adapt to these changes, exploring alternatives and workarounds for the deprecated features, while Google continues to enhance Gemini's capabilities.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Google's transition from Google Assistant to Gemini, offering valuable insights into the new AI capabilities and potential challenges users may face. It is well-structured and timely, addressing a topic of significant public interest that affects many consumers.

While the article is accurate and clear, it could benefit from more transparency in its reporting process and a wider range of sources to enhance credibility. The balance between the positive aspects of Gemini and the potential drawbacks is generally well-maintained, though additional perspectives could further enrich the narrative.

Overall, the article effectively informs readers about the transition and its implications, though it could deepen its impact by exploring the broader societal and ethical issues related to AI technology. By addressing these areas, the article could engage readers more fully and provoke meaningful discussions about the future of AI in consumer products.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on Google's transition from Google Assistant to Gemini, highlighting the new AI capabilities and the discontinuation of certain features. It correctly notes that Gemini is based on large language models (LLMs) and provides a more conversational experience. The details about device compatibility and the timeline for the transition align with Google's official announcements.

However, the article could benefit from more precise language regarding the specific features being removed and the exact timeline for when devices will no longer support Google Assistant. While it mentions that certain features will be discontinued, it does not provide a comprehensive list, which could be crucial for users relying on those functionalities.

The claim that Gemini may initially be slower and prone to inaccuracies due to its AI nature is well-supported by the nature of AI models, which can sometimes produce "hallucinations." This is a known issue with AI systems, adding credibility to the report.

Overall, the article provides a truthful and precise account of the transition, though it could improve by offering more detailed verification of the claims about feature discontinuation and device compatibility.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini, acknowledging both the benefits and the potential drawbacks. It highlights the advanced capabilities of Gemini while also addressing the concerns about feature discontinuation and the need for users to adapt.

However, the article leans slightly towards the positive aspects of Gemini, emphasizing its potential to restore and even enhance functionalities over time. It could have provided more emphasis on the users' negative reactions to the discontinuation of certain features, offering a more balanced perspective.

The piece does not appear to show favoritism towards Google, as it openly discusses the limitations and challenges of the transition. Yet, it could benefit from including more user testimonials or expert opinions to provide a fuller range of perspectives.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the key points about the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini. It uses straightforward language and logical flow, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative.

The use of subheadings and bullet points helps break down complex information into digestible parts, aiding comprehension. The article effectively explains the implications of the transition, such as the impact on device compatibility and the potential loss of features.

However, some technical terms, like "large language models" and "AI hallucinations," could be better explained for readers who may not be familiar with AI technology. Providing additional context or definitions would enhance clarity and ensure that all readers can fully understand the content.

6
Source quality

The article references Google's official announcements and support documents, which are credible sources for information about the transition to Gemini. This reliance on authoritative sources lends credibility to the report.

However, the article lacks diversity in its sources, primarily drawing from Google’s own statements without incorporating insights from independent experts or user feedback. This limits the depth of the analysis and the ability to critically evaluate Google's claims.

Including perspectives from technology analysts or user reviews could enhance the article's reliability by offering an external viewpoint on the transition's impact.

5
Transparency

The article provides a general overview of the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini, but it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information. It does not disclose how the list of discontinued features was compiled or the criteria for assessing Gemini's capabilities.

There is no mention of potential conflicts of interest, such as whether the author has affiliations with Google or other technology companies, which could impact the impartiality of the report.

Greater transparency in the reporting process, such as disclosing the sources of information and any potential biases, would improve the article's credibility and help readers understand the basis for its claims.

Sources

  1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/14/google-is-replacing-google-assistant-with-gemini/
  2. https://blog.google/products/gemini/google-assistant-gemini-mobile/
  3. https://gemini.google/assistant/