Google has announced that it is officially phasing out Google Assistant, its artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, in favor of Gemini. The company revealed that it will be upgrading "more" users from Google Assistant to Gemini over the coming months, with the classic Google Assistant set to become inaccessible on most mobile devices and unavailable for new downloads on mobile app stores later this year.

This move marks a significant shift in Google's AI and assistant-like efforts, with Gemini becoming the catch-all branding for many of the company's initiatives in this space. Google initially launched Google Assistant in 2016, but it appears that the company is now consolidating its efforts under the Gemini umbrella.

According to Google, the upgrade will not only affect mobile devices but also tablets, cars, and devices that connect to users' phones, such as headphones and watches. Additionally, the company is promising a new experience powered by Gemini for home devices like speakers, displays, and TVs. While details are scarce, it's likely that Google will share more information about this new experience at its upcoming I/O conference in May.

In the meantime, Google Assistant will continue to operate on these devices, providing users with a sense of continuity as they transition to Gemini. The company's decision to retire Google Assistant is likely a strategic move to streamline its offerings and focus on its Gemini platform, which has become a central hub for many of its AI and assistant-like initiatives.

Industry observers will be watching closely to see how this shift affects Google's position in the virtual assistant market, particularly in light of growing competition from other tech giants. As the company continues to evolve its AI and assistant-like efforts, it remains to be seen what implications this will have for users and the broader tech landscape.

For now, Google's decision to phase out Google Assistant in favor of Gemini marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. As more details emerge, it will be important to assess the implications of this move and what it means for the future of virtual assistants and AI-powered technologies.