Android TV Devices Are Safe From Google Assistant’s September Shutdown

You may have heard that Google Assistant is shutting down in early September. While technically correct, the shutdown of the assistant doesn’t impact Android TV or Google TV devices, which will continue to use Google Assistant for the time being.

Depending on the device you are using, you may already have access to Gemini – the assistant currently in the process of replacing Google Assistant.

However, for devices that are still utilizing Google Assistant, they will be unaffected by the change next month.

Instead, the Sept. 4 discontinuation date for Google Assistant primarily affects mobile devices and pairing accessories like smartwatches, headphones, and car infotainment systems.

For living room devices, including Android TV and Google TV streaming players and TVs, they are completely excluded from the Sept 4. discontinuation of Google Assistant.

Not All Android TV Devices to Receive Gemini

Although Android TV devices are excluded from next month’s discontinuation, Google does plan to migrate eligible devices to Gemini in the near future.

The company has already confirmed that Gemini for TV will expand to more Google TV devices before the end of this year.

Due to the difference in platforms, Google is taking a different migration approach to mobile and living room devices. So while more living room devices will lose Google Assistant, and some before the end of this year, their discontinuation will be separate to the mobile phaseout that’s due to take place next month.

Adding to this, not all Android TV devices are expected to receive Gemini. The use of the next-gen assistant requires a minimum of Android TV OS 14 and 2GB RAM.

As a result, many older Android TV devices will never reach a spec level that makes them eligible for Gemini for TV.

In terms of those older and legacy devices, they will permanently remain safe from a Gemini migration. Instead, they will continue to use Google Assistant indefinitely.