The Google Assistant on mobile devices will be permanently turned off in September

heise onlineIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 882 days ago

Google has made its first smart speaker developed specifically for its new AI assistant, Gemini, available in Germany starting Tuesday. The Google Home Speaker costs €120 and is sold through the Google Store, as well as retail chains like MediaMarkt and Saturn. This ends a period of uncertainty for German consumers, as the device was launched on June 25 but initially excluded Germany despite being offered in 18 other markets including Austria and Switzerland. Google did not provide a clear reason for this delay, only stating that the product would become available 'soon.' The discontinuation of production for older models like the Nest Mini and Nest Audio had temporarily removed all smart speakers from the German Google Store. The new speaker replaces the Google Assistant with Gemini, which is designed to understand natural speech more effectively, process multiple commands in a single sentence, and retain conversation context. However, many features require a paid subscription to Google Home Premium, which costs €10 per month. Customers who purchase the speaker by September 30, 2026, receive six months of the subscription for free. The speaker includes a 58mm wide-band driver, tri

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the release of a new technology product, focusing on technical specifications, availability, and pricing. There is no political framing, bias, or commentary on policy, governance, or ideology.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the release of the Google Home Speaker in Germany, citing the price, availability at specific retailers, and the previous absence from the market. It references Google’s broader market launch on June 25 and mentions the discontinuation of Nest Mini and Nest Audio, alig

Why objectivity (88): The article presents factual information in a neutral tone, focusing on product features and availability. However, it uses slightly emotive language such as 'längere und ungewöhnliche Wartezeit' (long and unusual waiting time) which may imply frustration with the delay, though not overtly biased.

heise onlineIndependentCenter15 hr. ago

Google has announced that the Google Assistant will be discontinued on smartphones and other mobile devices running Android or Wear OS starting September 4, 2026. It will be replaced by the AI assistant Gemini, which Google claims will make phones more intelligent and useful. Users previously had the option to choose between Google Assistant and Gemini, but this choice will no longer exist after the transition. The switch was first announced in March 2025, though delays have pushed back the timeline multiple times. Google has now informed users via email about the final phase-out of the Google Assistant. Once the transition is complete, users will only be able to interact with Gemini using voice commands like 'Hey Google.' This change affects all devices connected to Android phones, including smartwatches, compatible headphones, and vehicles with Android Auto. However, cars that already have pre-installed Google services may continue to use the Google Assistant beyond the cutoff date. Gemini supports over 70 languages across more than 220 countries and requires at least 2GB of RAM and Android 9 or newer. Google has also begun integrating Gemini into TVs and smart speakers, though a

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a technological update regarding the discontinuation of a specific product (Google Assistant) and its replacement with another (Gemini). There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The content is purely technical and informational.