The Google I/O 2025 brought new innovations to the current digital ecosystem. Google announced many new features for its advanced AI model, Gemini. The tech giant also declared that Gemini will soon be replacing Google Assistant on smart devices. This has highlighted the debate of Gemini vs Google Assistant as users navigate between the two technologies. In this blog, we have explored the similarities and differences between the two powerful AI solutions, providing a comprehensive comparison for your understanding. 


Google Assistant 


Launched in 2016, Google Assistant is an AI-powered virtual assistant that enables voice-activated task assistance to its users. Currently, it is available on mobile phones, tablets, headphones, speakers, and other IoT devices. Google Assistant has natural language processing abilities to understand voice commands and perform requested tasks. Its seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem has made it popular among the users who find it very convenient for everyday tasks. Users can access Google Assistant with the phrase “Hey Google” and make their queries or task requests. 


Gemini 


Gemini is Google’s LLM-based AI assistant with advanced language understanding and reasoning abilities to provide enhanced conversational experiences. With the powers of generative AI and multi-modal processing abilities, Gemini can assist users even with the complex tasks. Currently, it is available for free download on Android and iOS app stores. Soon, it will replace Google Assistant on mobile phones, making it more accessible to the users. 


Key Differences: Gemini vs Google Assistant 


Though both Gemini and Google Assistant are products of Google, there is a clear distinction between the two. Here is an in-depth comparison that can provide insights into their differences: 


Technological Foundation 


Google Assistant:  


Google Assistant operates on machine learning models with a voice-based approach for a hands-free experience. It was designed to play the role of a personal assistant for the users and handle their everyday tasks.  


Gemini: 


Gemini utilises advanced generative AI models with a text-based and conversational approach. Though, when replacing Google Assistant, Gemini will offer the same hands-free experience.  


Functionalities 


Google Assistant: 


Google Assistant is excellent at undertaking straightforward tasks that do not incorporate multiple steps, such as: 


  • Retrieving information 
  • Handling device controls 
  • Calendar and reminder management 
  • Basic productivity tasks 

The recent update has provided it with new abilities including playing music, setting timers, or performing tasks from the lock screen. 


Gemini: 


Though the advanced natural language processing and reasoning abilities enable Gemini to perform complex tasks, they slow it down (compared to Google Assistant) when fulfilling simple requests. Its conversational abilities allow users to maintain longer interactions. Gemini can answer a wider range of questions, but the accuracy and reliability of the information is lower. Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini can accept multimodal inputs in the form of text, images, and audio to assist the users with content generation.


Accessibility and Platform Compatibility 


Google Assistant:  


Google Assistant is pre-installed in many smart devices, and users can access it with a simple voice command, “Hey Google!”. It offers a wider range of platform compatibility that encompasses most of the Google’s ecosystem. It supports: 


  • Mobile phones and tablets 
  • Speakers and displays 
  • Smart home devices 
  • Smartwatches and headphones 
  • Car systems 

Though Gemini would completely replace Google Assistant in mobile phones and tablets by the end of 2025, it would continue to operate on IoT devices. Smart headphones would access the same assistant that operates on the device that they are connected to. 


Gemini: 


Currently, users can access it through the web or the Gemini app available on Android and iOS app stores. After it has replaced Google Assistant, users would be able to access it with the same voice command (Hey Google!). Gemini offers less platform compatibility compared to Google assistant and is mostly available on: 


  • Mobile phones and tablets 
  • Web browsers 
  • Google Workspace 

International Availability 


The Gemini vs Google Assistant experience would vary across different markets. Google Assistant operates in over 200 countries across the globe and supports over 40 languages. Gemini is slowly expanding its reach.  


Users in the USA enjoy some extra benefits, such as: 


  • Imagen 4, Canvas, and Veo 3 integration for Ultra subscribers 
  • Full feature access on Chrome 
  • Integration with local services 

Overview: Gemini vs Google Assistant 


Gemini vs Google Assistant

Conclusion: Future Trends  


By the end of 2025, Google Assistant would be obsolete on mobile phones and tablets and would no longer be available for downloading though the Android app store. Gemini would take up the role of the private assistant with advanced AI features that Google Assistant lacked. Smart speakers, home devices, and car systems would continue with Google Assistant, though Google plans to upgrade them soon. 

The Gemini vs Google Assistant comparison reveals the superior capabilities that Gemini offers. It also highlights the reliability of Google Assistant, providing an overview of the aspects that Gemini needs improvement on to make this replacement a success. Google is committed to advancing AI capabilities on smart devices, which promises a future with easy accessibility and enhanced user experience.