Google is set to redefine the smartphone assistant experience with its latest Pixel 9 lineup. A radical departure from its predecessor, Google Assistant, the new default helper will be Gemini, the company’s advanced AI chatbot.

This seismic shift in the digital landscape was confirmed by Sissie Hsiao, Google’s vice president and general manager of Gemini Experiences. While users still retain the option to revert to the classic Google Assistant, Gemini is undeniably the new face of AI assistance on Pixel devices.

Gemini, powered by Google’s cutting-edge large language models, is designed to be a versatile companion. It can handle routine tasks like controlling smart home devices or playing music with ease. But its real strength lies in its ability to process and respond to complex queries. Need to compare weather conditions between two cities or seek recommendations for weekend activities? Gemini has you covered.

Hsiao emphasizes that Gemini is not merely an upgrade but a “huge generative AI evolution” of Google Assistant. Beyond its traditional assistant capabilities, it can generate images and text, delivering a richer, more dynamic user experience.

While the Pixel 9 will be the first to exclusively feature Gemini as the default assistant, the AI is also available as an opt-in option on other Android devices. To make the switch, users need to initiate the process through Google Assistant itself.

Google has been tight-lipped about Gemini’s long-term plans, leaving open the possibility of a full-scale replacement for Google Assistant in the future. However, for now, the company maintains that Gemini is an optional feature, allowing users to choose their preferred assistant.