Google launches Gemini Go for Android Go devices with 2GB+ RAM, replaces Assistant Go

Google is rolling out Gemini Go, a streamlined version of its Gemini AI assistant designed for Android Go devices with 2GB of RAM or more. The update replaces Assistant Go and marks another step in Google's ongoing deprecation of its legacy Assistant product.

Technical specifications

Gemini Go runs as part of the Google Search app on Android Go devices, Google's operating system variant for entry-level smartphones. Users can launch the assistant by long-pressing either the Home button or Power key.

According to Google, the streamlined version supports:

• Voice commands for calls and text messages to contacts
• Local information queries including driving directions and complex multi-part searches ("Help me find a ramen restaurant open for lunch on Tuesday with an EV charger nearby")
• Task management including alarms and calendar events
• File uploads for photos, documents, and other files to add context
• Media playback with natural language queries ("Play pop party jams!" or "Play quiet acoustic songs for a dinner party")

Deployment details

The rollout is gradual and delivered as an update to Google Go, the search app preinstalled on Android Go devices. Google did not provide screenshots or specify whether Gemini Go uses the same Gemini 1.5 Flash or Gemini 2.0 Flash models that power the standard Gemini app, nor did it detail any model optimizations for lower-spec hardware.

The company describes Gemini Go as offering "a more conversational experience" compared to Assistant Go, though specific capabilities differences were not disclosed.

Android Go ecosystem

Android Go is Google's lightweight OS for devices with 1-2GB of RAM. The platform includes stripped-down versions of core Google apps: Gmail Go, Maps Go, and now Gemini Go. These variants use less storage and data while providing core functionality for budget smartphones popular in emerging markets.

What this means

Gemini Go extends Google's AI assistant to the budget smartphone segment, where billions of users operate devices with limited computing resources. The move accelerates Assistant's deprecation while expanding Gemini's reach beyond premium devices. However, without technical details about model optimization or performance benchmarks on 2GB RAM devices, questions remain about response latency and capability limitations compared to the full Gemini app. The success of Gemini Go will depend on whether Google can deliver acceptable AI performance within the severe memory and processing constraints of entry-level Android hardware.