ChatGPT can replace Google Gemini as default assistant on Android

Photo : AP

OpenAI’s ChatGPT can now be set as the default assistant on Android phones, replacing Google’s Gemini. This new feature is available with a beta update (v1.2025.070), and it makes ChatGPT easier to use on Android devices. Users can now launch ChatGPT using simple shortcuts, just like how they use Google’s assistant.

Before this update, Android allowed different assistants, but only Google’s Gemini could be started using normal phone actions like pressing buttons or swiping. Now, with this update, ChatGPT users can use their assistant just as easily.

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The update allows users to set ChatGPT as the default assistant. They can start it by holding the home button (for phones with three buttons), swiping up from the bottom for gesture navigation, or holding the power button if this setting is turned on. When you start ChatGPT, it opens in voice mode, but some people may find its voice features are not as good as other assistants.

However, there is still no way to start ChatGPT by saying a word like “Hey Google,” which works with Google’s assistant. This is because Google does not allow other apps to use the special technology needed for voice commands.

Even though you can’t start ChatGPT with a special word yet, this update is a big improvement. It makes it much easier for people to use ChatGPT without having to open the app manually.