Gemini AI, first released in 2023, initially had limited functionality. To make matters worse, Google essentially forced everyone to switch from Google Assistant to Gemini, whether they wanted to or not. I refused to make the switch—until now.
After two long years, I have finally decided to change my default assistant on my Android phone from the old Google Assistant to Gemini. The reason for this change is that Gemini has finally become as helpful as Google Assistant was before. Using it doesn’t feel like a step back in functionality.
- OS
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Android
- Developer
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Google
Gemini is Google’s multimodal AI model, which can handle text, images, code, audio, and video. It serves as an everyday assistant with sophisticated reasoning, content creation (like code and images), and deep integration across Google products to streamline tasks.
What stopped me from adopting Gemini as my default Android assistant?
A disastrous start that made Gemini AI unusable as an assistant
There are several reasons why I chose not to switch from Google Assistant to Gemini. When I initially tried Gemini in 2023, I quickly became frustrated within a week or two and realized I needed to give Gemini more time to develop and improve. It lacked essential features, like in-app integrations. It also frequently experienced hallucinations, and its overall performance lagged behind other AI assistants.
Google has addressed these issues with updates. The latest version, Gemini 2.5, is now one of the most advanced AI assistants available on Android. It’s more than just a basic assistant; it can help you get work done and even complete tasks on your behalf.
Why is now a good time to use the Gemini AI assistant?
The latest Gemini Assistant (Gemini 2.5) offers significant improvements over previous versions. It’s faster, smarter, and more useful; Gemini AI has improved in nearly every aspect.
Gemini AI is now faster and smarter
With Gemini 2.5 Flash, the AI operates twice as fast as before. When you send a query, it quickly searches the web and completes the task almost instantly. Additionally, there are fewer hallucinations, thanks to the newly optimized cloud infrastructure.
New multimodal capabilities that make it more human
Gemini now includes multimodal capabilities that allow it to process complex tasks twice as fast, and it supports image, audio, and video analysis natively.
These features include deep thinking models that provide reasoning to improve accuracy, plus the Flash Image model (known as Gemini’s Nano Banana), which generates consistent images while maintaining subjects across different visuals. Gemini can edit and correct images for you, and has prompt-based image generation that’s easy to use.
With the introduction of Gemini Live, these multimodal capabilities are even more prominent. In Gemini Live mode, you engage in a one-on-one conversation with the AI. Its advanced natural language processing and contextual awareness make it feel like you are chatting with another human.
Google ecosystem awareness
Gemini can now interact with apps in the Google ecosystem, such as Google Workspace. There, it can hook into Google Sheets to manage your data, Drive to manage and summarize content, or Gmail to respond to or summarize your emails. Meanwhile, Gemini works with Calendar to keep your schedule organized, Keep to handle your notes, and Tasks to check items off your list.
You can add tasks, edit or remove events in your Calendar, summarize documents in Drive, and summarize, send, or reply to emails in Gmail with Gemini.
With the new update, Gemini can also utilize core Google services, such as Maps and YouTube, to provide you with real-time information and content without needing to fiddle with individual apps.
In-app integrations and connected apps
Since the rollout of Gemini 2.0 in March 2025, Google has introduced in-app integrations that let Gemini interact with various system apps, including Clock, Maps, Dialer, and Messenger, among others.
These integrations allow you to perform tasks hands-free using Gemini. For example, you might set a timer or alarm in the Clock app, navigate to a destination using Maps, make phone calls, or send text messages to contacts. All this functionality is made possible through Gemini’s in-app integrations.
Gemini Gems
Lastly, Gemini Gems allow Gemini AI to serve as my personal advisor; I can create a customized Gemini AI tailored to my specific needs. This helps me focus on a particular subject while maintaining a professional approach. While it can’t replace an actual expert or advisor, it can certainly assist me in getting some basic work done and provide a strong foundation on the topic.
Creating Gems is easy. Simply go to the Gem manager (in the Gemini app, tap Menu > Explore Gems) and design one that suits your preferences. The more detailed you are, the better the Gem agent will perform. There are also pre-made Gems available, such as a Learning Coach, Writing Editor, or Career Guide. You can choose one of these or create your own that meets your requirements.
It’s the right time to let Gemini AI take the place of the old Assistant
With the new updates and improvements, Gemini is now ready to replace Google Assistant and become my daily assistant. If you’ve been using Google Assistant up until now, it’s a perfect time to make the switch, as Gemini AI can do everything Assistant was capable of and more.