GOOGLE has announced that one of its long-running features is retiring this year but not everyone is overjoyed about the replacement being lined-up.

The move will affect Android phones, as well as tablets and Google speakers like Nest.

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Google is selling the major change as an "upgrade" powered by AI.

The Google Assistant will no longer be available on "most" mobile devices by the end of the year, the firm has revealed.

Google Assistant has been the company's main voice-powered tool across millions of devices since 2016.

It allows users to summon things like timers, ask trivia or even control lights around your home, all with your voice.

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But as times have evolved with AI, Google's Gemini has been gradually taking over with more natural means of communicating.

"Over the coming months, we’re upgrading more users on mobile devices from Google Assistant to Gemini; and later this year, the classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads on mobile app stores," Google explained in a blog post.

"Additionally, we’ll be upgrading tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches, to Gemini.

"We're also bringing a new experience, powered by Gemini, to home devices like speakers, displays and TVs.

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"We look forward to sharing more details with you in the next few months.

"Until then, Google Assistant will continue to operate on these devices."

Most users welcomed the move but not everyone is convinced.

"One thing I hate about Google is they kill perfectly good things and call it innovation," one person wrote on Reddit.

"The last time I tried Gemini Assistant or whatever it's called, it couldn't even set a timer," another said.

Others are so against the change that they're threatening to switch to iPhone.

"This honestly means that my next phone will probably be an iPhone," a third user commented.

"I've loved Android for 10+ years now but I rely on Google Assistant a ton and I know Siri is gonna keep on chugging."

A fourth added on X: "Since @Google Assistant is being replaced by the far less functional Gemini, I suppose my next phone will be an iPhone after years on Pixel phones."

Lost features

Google also quietly announced that some functions on Google Assistant are being removed immediately.

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This includes the ability to:

• Favourite, share, and ask where and when your photos were taken
• Change photo frame settings
• Translate your live conversation with someone who doesn’t speak your language
• Get birthday reminder notifications as part of Routines
• Ask to schedule or hear previously scheduled Family Bell announcements
• Get daily updates from your Assistant, such as “send me the weather everyday
• Use Google Assistant on car accessories that have a Bluetooth connection or AUX plug

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