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Google Assistant Begins Its Final Shutdown on Android September 4
Quick Take: Google will begin removing Google Assistant from supported Android devices on September 4, 2026. Gemini becomes the replacement, and users will not be able to switch back once Assistant is removed.
Google Assistant’s final chapter on Android now has a date. Google will begin removing its long-running voice assistant from supported Android phones and tablets on September 4, 2026, completing its move to Gemini.
The change is not limited to phones. Google Assistant will also begin disappearing from connected Wear OS watches, compatible headphones and earbuds, and Android Auto when it is projected from a phone. Google says the rollout may take several weeks to reach everyone.
Google Assistant shutdown at a glance
- Removal begins September 4, 2026.
- Gemini becomes the Android assistant experience.
- Phones, tablets, Wear OS, headphones, earbuds, and Android Auto are included.
- Once Assistant is removed, users cannot switch back to it.
Gemini replaces Assistant on Android
Google has been moving users from Assistant to Gemini for more than a year, but September 4 marks the beginning of the permanent transition for remaining Assistant users. Gemini keeps the familiar assistant role on Android, including voice access through “Hey Google,” while adding a more conversational AI experience.
For Google, the switch makes sense: maintaining two competing assistants on the same platform was never going to last. For users, however, it means Gemini is no longer simply an option. It will be the assistant experience on supported devices.
Which devices are affected?
Moving to Gemini
Android phones and tablets, Wear OS watches, compatible headphones and earbuds, and phone-projected Android Auto.
Not part of this September change
Google Home devices, Google TV, and vehicles with Google built-in will transition on their own timelines.
The distinction matters for anyone who uses Assistant across multiple screens. Your phone may move to Gemini in September while Assistant remains available on some home and in-car devices for now.
What should Assistant users do now?
If you have kept Google Assistant as your default, this is a good time to try Gemini before the forced change reaches your device. Check the tasks you use most often: calling or messaging people, controlling smart-home devices, starting navigation, setting timers, and managing music.
Gemini can handle many of the same everyday requests, but it is a different product with a different interface and behavior. Testing it early gives you time to decide whether its voice settings, connected apps, and permissions are set up the way you want.
The bigger picture
Google Assistant helped define the modern Android voice assistant after its 2016 debut. Its retirement is a clear sign that Google now sees Gemini, rather than Assistant, as the foundation for how people interact with Android.
Google’s Assistant-to-Gemini transition will start September 4 and continue over the following weeks. For the latest official context on Google’s broader migration plan, see Google’s Gemini announcement.
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Google Assistant will soon check into your flights
Google Assistant is receiving an update which will let you check into your flights just by saying "Hey Google, check in to my flight." You will no longer have to dig through emails or screenshots to find your confirmation number in front of the kiosk. Google Assistant will work with airlines to seamlessly complete your check-in for you.
The service will first launch on United Airlines' domestic flights. Google Assistant will also be able to retrieve and save your boarding pass, and proactively remind you to check into your flight when it's ready. You don't have to install separate airline apps to get these features, either.
Additionally, Google Assistant will also book you a hotel room via Choice Hotels, AccorHotels, InterContinental Hotels Group, Priceline, Expedia, Mirai, and Travelclick. You can also keep your itinerary, restaurant shortlists and group expense notes under Assistant's purview, as it's getting support for Google Keep, Any.do, Bring! and Todoist.
Google has still to reveal an exact timeline for the rollout of this feature but has plans to expand it to other airlines and hotel booking services in the future. Fortunately, users who frequently travel domestically via United Airlines will be able to experience the convenience of having Assistant handle most of the hassle of travel.
Learn about more of the features the Assistant Google announced at CES 2019 on their blog post.
Learn about more of the features the Assistant Google announced at CES 2019 on their blog post.
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Buy a Google Home Hub and get two free Home mini smart speakers
B&H Video has an ongoing deal, where the retailer is offering the Google Home Hub for $129 ($20 off) bundled with two free Google Home mini smart speakers. Since these type of deals don't last long, we'd just picking it up as soon as you can while stocks last.
The Google Home Hub is available in 'chalk' and 'charcoal' colors and is powered by Google Assistant just like the Home minis. You can set up the three units anywhere around your home and have them help you control music, manage compatible smart home accessories or plan your day. The 7-inch display on the Hub further enhances your experience with visual updates, videos on YouTube or Duo calls (by voice or video).
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Google has aggressively marketed its diverse and affordable lineup of smart speakers, which are rapidly catching up with Amazon's Echo lineup thanks to the features offered by Google Assistant. If you are still in the market for one of Google's Smart Speakers, Best Buy is running a sale with the entire lineup discounted.
Best Buy offers massive discounts on all Google Home models
Google has aggressively marketed its diverse and affordable lineup of smart speakers, which are rapidly catching up with Amazon's Echo lineup thanks to the features offered by Google Assistant. If you are still in the market for one of Google's Smart Speakers, Best Buy is running a sale with the entire lineup discounted.
The recently released Google Home Hub is available in 'Chalk' or 'Charcoal' for $129.99, down from its $149 retail price. If you bundle a Google Home Hub with select Nest devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat, Cam Indoor, Cam Outdoor, Cam IQ Indoor, Thermostat E, Cam IQ Outdoor, or Hello Smart Wi-Fi video doorbell, you can take up to $80 off your smart speaker.
The popular Google Home Mini can be purchased for just $29.99, while you can purchase two for $50. If you purchase select Chromebooks or a Philips Hue starter kit the small smart speaker can be yours for free. You can also save $20 when you purchase the Google Smart Light Starter Kit with Google Assistant, bringing its price down to $35.
The regular Google Home can be purchased for $99.99 down from $129. The Google Home Max has been discounted by $49 bringing the price down to $349.99. You can view all these deals by following the link below to the Best Buy website.
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Get the 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display for $150 at Costco
Costco warehouse club members can purchase the 10-inch Lenovo Smart Display with Google Assistant for $150. The smart speaker usually retails for $250, which means you get a $100 discount. With the Lenovo Smart Display, you can watch YouTube videos, browse recipes on the web, manually adjust settings on your smart lights, watch surveillance camera videos and make video calls on Google Duo.
The deal will run through November 26 or while stocks last. Given that no other retailer currently offers this model, it looks like a deal worth considering. Meanwhile, Best Buy does is offering the 8-inch version for $100 (usually retails for $200) this Black Friday.
You could also consider picking up the Google Home Hub for $100 from Best Buy or the Google Store during their Black Friday sales. But Lenovo's smart speaker is larger, includes a camera, is sharper and more powerful.
Customers could also consider the Amazon Echo Show, which retails for $230 but is set to be discounted to $180 for Black Friday. The Echo Show has a 10.1-inch display, 5MP front-facing camera, and impressive audio capabilities but has a lower resolution display.
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Now the company has detailed these upcoming changes on their website. Four of these new features will be coming to smartphones in the coming weeks
source - Google
Google Assistant updates announced for smartphones
Google revealed several things they had planned for the coming months during their Made for Google event, including several new features and improvements headed to Google Assistant on your smartphone.
Now the company has detailed these upcoming changes on their website. Four of these new features will be coming to smartphones in the coming weeks
- Screen Call will be released to the Pixel 3 this month, and to the first and second generation Pixel devices in November. With Screen Call, Google Assistant will help users manage their spam. When you see an unknown caller, tap 'screen call' and Google Assistant will take over and transcribe the caller's response in real time.
- - With Virtual Snapshot, you will see event recommendations, as well as see recent notes and lists with important reminders from the visuals overview. Just tap the icon on the top right corner of the screen after activating Google Assistant, or swipe up.
- - Pixel 3 owners will be able to use Google Assistant without unlocking their smartphones. You will have to enable this feature from Assistant settings in order to take advantage of it.
- - Later this year, Google will allow Pixel users in New York, Atlanta, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area to use Google Assistant to make a reservation at a restaurant on their behalf.
source - Google
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The Google Home Hub is a smart display from Google, combining a 7 inch display to a speaker and offered in a few colorful options. Besides acting as a photo frame when not in use, the Home Hub is also a great assistant in the kitchen and full manages your home automation.
Intelligent Picture Frame
Google claims that their Home Hub is the "world's best photo frame" with Google Photos integration. It features Live Albums, which displays photos of people or objects you choose, updates them as you do, and uses machine learning to discard blurry or underexposed photos.
Kitchen Helper
You can use the Home Hub to help you in the kitchen with recipes and how-to videos. You can use the hub to set timers or play some music while you work.
Home Automation
The Hub can control your smart home appliances with the new Home View interface. You can use the Voice Match feature to see your personalized events, commute, reminders and more.
You can use the Hub to control your lights at night, with phrases like "Hey Google, Good Night", to turn off the lights or use the Ambient EQ feature to dim the lighting in your room.
Pricing and Availability
You can pre-order the Google Home Hub for $149 from the Google Store, and it will be available starting October 22 at Best Buy, Walmart and other retailers. Your Cloud Home purchase will include 6 months worth of YouTube Premium.
Google Home Hub is a smart display that works as a picture frame, assists you in the kitchen and manages home automation
The Google Home Hub is a smart display from Google, combining a 7 inch display to a speaker and offered in a few colorful options. Besides acting as a photo frame when not in use, the Home Hub is also a great assistant in the kitchen and full manages your home automation.
Intelligent Picture Frame
Google claims that their Home Hub is the "world's best photo frame" with Google Photos integration. It features Live Albums, which displays photos of people or objects you choose, updates them as you do, and uses machine learning to discard blurry or underexposed photos.
Kitchen Helper
You can use the Home Hub to help you in the kitchen with recipes and how-to videos. You can use the hub to set timers or play some music while you work.
Home Automation
The Hub can control your smart home appliances with the new Home View interface. You can use the Voice Match feature to see your personalized events, commute, reminders and more.
You can use the Hub to control your lights at night, with phrases like "Hey Google, Good Night", to turn off the lights or use the Ambient EQ feature to dim the lighting in your room.
Pricing and Availability
You can pre-order the Google Home Hub for $149 from the Google Store, and it will be available starting October 22 at Best Buy, Walmart and other retailers. Your Cloud Home purchase will include 6 months worth of YouTube Premium.
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First we have the LG TONE Platinum SE, which along with Google Assistant also features real time translation with Google Translate. You can trigger Assistant or Translate on these wearables with a press of a button, and quickly attempt to carry out a conversation in another language with these technologies.
LG TONE Ultra SE, features an external mono speaker in addition to earbuds. With the external speaker, users can make calls and listen to music without blocking out ambient sounds. This setup maybe suited for communicating with groups of people or wanting to be part of a public function.
source - LG
LG TONE wireless wearable audio products with Google Assistant announced
LG has a big lineup of devices planned for IFA 2018, we recently saw the company's XBOOM wireless speakers with Google Assistant included, now the company has unveiled some in-ear wireless wearables which also come with Google Assistant.
First we have the LG TONE Platinum SE, which along with Google Assistant also features real time translation with Google Translate. You can trigger Assistant or Translate on these wearables with a press of a button, and quickly attempt to carry out a conversation in another language with these technologies.
LG TONE Ultra SE, features an external mono speaker in addition to earbuds. With the external speaker, users can make calls and listen to music without blocking out ambient sounds. This setup maybe suited for communicating with groups of people or wanting to be part of a public function.
source - LG
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Among its IFA 2018 highlights, LG will showcase the the XBOOM mini component and all-in-one, which when combined with the Pro DJ Wheel allows anyone to become a DJ with creative mixing and scratching functions and fun lighting effects. Its features include a Voice Canceller, a Key Changer and a Grab & Move handle.
The XBOOM Go wireless speakers will feature aptX™ HD from Qualcomm with 24bit/576kbps hi-res streaming audio over Bluetooth. This is the same technology LG has included in its modern smartphones like the LG G7 ThinQ. The XBOOM Go models also feature multicolor mood lighting, Grab-N-Go and X-grip handles for portability, water resistance and long battery life.
The XBOOM AI ThinQ lineup will come with Google Assistant support, and LG wants to highlight the high quality audio that these smart speakers will deliver to its users.
source - LG
LG XBOOM speaker lineup announced with Google Assistant built-in
LG is set to unveil a new lineup of XBOOM audio products at IFA 2018, which will include XBOOM Go portable Bluetooth speakers and XBOOM AI ThinQ smart speakers with Google Assistant support.
In celebration of its 60th anniversary in 2018, LG aims to focus on sound quality, investing heavily in a wide range of R&D initiatives. One of these initiatives is partnering with Meridian Audio, whose technology is implemented in LG XBOOM products. Meridian is known for its development and implementation of revolutionary audio technologies such as Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) and has also served as the exclusive audio brand for premium car-makers which include Land Rover, McLaren and Jaguar.
Among its IFA 2018 highlights, LG will showcase the the XBOOM mini component and all-in-one, which when combined with the Pro DJ Wheel allows anyone to become a DJ with creative mixing and scratching functions and fun lighting effects. Its features include a Voice Canceller, a Key Changer and a Grab & Move handle.
The XBOOM Go wireless speakers will feature aptX™ HD from Qualcomm with 24bit/576kbps hi-res streaming audio over Bluetooth. This is the same technology LG has included in its modern smartphones like the LG G7 ThinQ. The XBOOM Go models also feature multicolor mood lighting, Grab-N-Go and X-grip handles for portability, water resistance and long battery life.
The XBOOM AI ThinQ lineup will come with Google Assistant support, and LG wants to highlight the high quality audio that these smart speakers will deliver to its users.
source - LG
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The Insignia Voice is portable, offering Bluetooth connectivity when you are out of Wi-Fi range. It has a rechargeable battery that offers up to 5-hours of playback and a digital LED display that goes well with its built in alarm clock.
According to Best Buy, the smart unit usually retails for $150, so you are getting a savings of over $100 on this purchase. If you are interested in picking up one of these portable smart speakers from Insignia, you can get then on Best Buy by following the link below.
If you are looking for an even better deal, eBay has the same device for $37. While the unit is new, it's retail packaging has been opened. In order to get the $37 price, you will have to apply the 'MYFUNFIVE' coupon at checkout.
source - PhoneArena
Get the Insignia Voice smart speaker with Google Assistant for $45 at Best Buy
Meet the Insignia Voice, a portable smart speaker with Google Assistant onboard. Although it usually retails for $150, Best Buy is offering the device at $45. Insignia, a brand operated by Best Buy and is known for offering great alternatives to big brands at affordable prices.
The Insignia Voice is portable, offering Bluetooth connectivity when you are out of Wi-Fi range. It has a rechargeable battery that offers up to 5-hours of playback and a digital LED display that goes well with its built in alarm clock.
According to Best Buy, the smart unit usually retails for $150, so you are getting a savings of over $100 on this purchase. If you are interested in picking up one of these portable smart speakers from Insignia, you can get then on Best Buy by following the link below.
If you are looking for an even better deal, eBay has the same device for $37. While the unit is new, it's retail packaging has been opened. In order to get the $37 price, you will have to apply the 'MYFUNFIVE' coupon at checkout.
source - PhoneArena
DJs
Google looks to be enhancing its portfolio of smart devices to better compete with Amazon, with the introduction of 'smart displays' from Lenovo, JBL and LG. The newest in the lineup, the JBL Link View is now available for pre-order.
source - JBL
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JBL Link View smart display with Google Assistant available for pre-order
Google looks to be enhancing its portfolio of smart devices to better compete with Amazon, with the introduction of 'smart displays' from Lenovo, JBL and LG. The newest in the lineup, the JBL Link View is now available for pre-order.
The Link View is priced at $249.95, which happens to be $20 higher than its competitor, the Amazon Echo Show. The smart display features an 8 inch touch display which can be used to view photos, weather info or watch YouTube videos. You also get a 5MP camera on the front for video calls.
JBL is a brand known for its high quality audio, and that would likely be one of the key selling points for this smart display. Anyone purchasing one should however note that US deliveries won’t start until September 3.
Legendary sound. Now in a smart display with the Google Assistant.
Get more than legendary sound. The integrated display included on JBL Link View allows you to get things done easily, it also has the Google Assistant built in, you can ask questions and tell it to do things. Just start with “Hey Google” to quickly enjoy your entertainment, stay connected with loved ones, view glanceable answers, manage daily tasks, and control your smart home. Your Assistant can help free up your hands and time, so you can focus on the things that matter most.
Like watching videos of your favorite YouTube creators, reliving memories of your latest family vacation, making a video call to your best friend, receiving step-by-step baking instructions for delicious chocolate chip cookies, or dimming the lights for movie night. All this is delivered through a proprietary JBL transducer array, driven by a digital amplifier tuned to deliver full rich bass and crystal clear highs. This amazing combination of Google Assistant, JBL Audio horsepower and HD display make JBL Link View a must have for your home or office.
Get more than legendary sound. The integrated display included on JBL Link View allows you to get things done easily, it also has the Google Assistant built in, you can ask questions and tell it to do things. Just start with “Hey Google” to quickly enjoy your entertainment, stay connected with loved ones, view glanceable answers, manage daily tasks, and control your smart home. Your Assistant can help free up your hands and time, so you can focus on the things that matter most.
Like watching videos of your favorite YouTube creators, reliving memories of your latest family vacation, making a video call to your best friend, receiving step-by-step baking instructions for delicious chocolate chip cookies, or dimming the lights for movie night. All this is delivered through a proprietary JBL transducer array, driven by a digital amplifier tuned to deliver full rich bass and crystal clear highs. This amazing combination of Google Assistant, JBL Audio horsepower and HD display make JBL Link View a must have for your home or office.
source - JBL
RELATED ARTICLES
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The 8 inch model features an LCD display with a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, and a wide angle camera for video calls. The audio support comes from a 1.75-inch 10W speaker with two passive tweeters. The larger 10 inch model has 1920 x 1200 pixel LCD display, and a 2-inch 10W speaker, with a pair of passive tweeters. Both models feature 4GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and are powered by a octa-core processors on the Snapdragon 624 Mobile Platform.
Lenovo has put together a video tour, demonstrating the functionality of its new Smart Display devices.
You can buy either one (or both) Lenovo Smart Display units, using the link below
source - Lenovo
Get three-months of free YouTube Premium
Google also has a few other conditions that you must meet in order to benefit from the promotion
source - Google
Lenovo Smart Display with Google Assistant announced
Lenovo is releasing two Lenovo Smart Display units, once with an 8-inch display priced at $199.99; and the other sporting a 10 inch display and priced at $249.99. Both are powered by Google Assistant, and give a visual look at the various features the Assistant offers.
With the inclusion of the screen, you can watch YouTube videos, browse recipes on the web, manually adjust settings on your smart lights, watch surveillance camera videos and make video calls on Google Duo.
The 8 inch model features an LCD display with a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, and a wide angle camera for video calls. The audio support comes from a 1.75-inch 10W speaker with two passive tweeters. The larger 10 inch model has 1920 x 1200 pixel LCD display, and a 2-inch 10W speaker, with a pair of passive tweeters. Both models feature 4GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and are powered by a octa-core processors on the Snapdragon 624 Mobile Platform.
Lenovo has put together a video tour, demonstrating the functionality of its new Smart Display devices.
You can buy either one (or both) Lenovo Smart Display units, using the link below
source - Lenovo
Get three-months of free YouTube Premium
Google is offering three months of FREE YouTube Premium service for those who purchase a Lenovo Smart Display between July 27 and September 26. Once you purchase one of the Smart Displays, you must call Google Support in order to redeem the offer.
Google also has a few other conditions that you must meet in order to benefit from the promotion
- must not be a YouTube Music Premium, YouTube Premium, or Google Play Music subscriber;
- never been a YouTube Music Premium, YouTube Premium, or Google Play Music subscriber;
- never participated in a YouTube Red, YouTube Music Premium, YouTube Premium, or Google Play Music trial before.
source - Google