Gemini to Replace Google Assistant on Android Soon
▼ Summary
– Google will update Gemini on July 7th to allow control of device features like Phone, Messages, and WhatsApp, even when Gemini Apps Activity is turned off.
– Disabling Gemini Apps Activity stops conversations from being used to improve Google products but currently restricts app-related tasks.
– Google clarified that Gemini’s app access can be disabled anytime and confirmed the update benefits users by enabling task completion without data collection.
– Users can now use Gemini for tasks like messaging and calls without contributing to AI training, aligning with its upcoming replacement of Google Assistant.
– Conversations will still be stored for 72 hours for security, even if Apps Activity is off, though interactions won’t appear in the activity log.
Google’s Gemini is set to take over as the default assistant on Android devices, offering users more control over their privacy while handling everyday tasks. The upcoming update, rolling out soon, will allow the AI to interact with core phone functions like calls, messages, and utilities, even when activity tracking is turned off.
According to internal communications, the change means Gemini can now perform actions like setting alarms, sending WhatsApp messages, or adjusting media playback without storing user conversations for AI training. Previously, disabling the “Gemini Apps Activity” setting limited functionality, but the new update removes that restriction while maintaining privacy safeguards.
Initial confusion arose over whether the update granted Gemini unrestricted access to sensitive data. Google quickly clarified that users retain full control, with the ability to disable app connections anytime. The company emphasized that conversations remain private when activity tracking is off, though interactions are temporarily stored for security reviews.
This shift positions Gemini as a true replacement for Google Assistant, giving Android users an AI helper that balances convenience with data protection. While activity logs won’t record interactions when the setting is disabled, Google retains chats for 72 hours, a standard practice for safety monitoring. The update marks a significant step toward broader Gemini integration across Android ecosystems later this year.
(Source: The Verge)
