Google Assistant Branding Is Being Phased Out On Wear OS

The “Assistant” app on your Wear OS watch is getting updated today via the Google Play Store to version 1.18.x. There are no changes to Google Assistant, but the groundwork for Gemini is being laid out.

It starts by renaming the app’s two complications. The first, which lets you launch Google Assistant voice input from a watch face, is now called “Google” and being served by the “Digital assistant” app. The logo you’re familiar with has also been replaced by generic sparkles (this is not the Gemini icon).

Old vs. new

Similarly, “At a Glance” is now offered by “At a Glance.” This can show the weather and upcoming events. The icon is now the company’s ‘G’ logo. There are no functionality changes, but if you’re looking for Assistant know that it’s now further down the complications list.

Meanwhile, you’ll also see that generic sparkle icon on the Wear OS Tile that lets you save and quickly launch frequent commands with a tap, or issue a new one. If you look at the preview for that Tile, it has also been generalized.

When Gemini for Wear OS is ready, Google Assistant will presumably be cleanly swapped out. Google is clearly keeping At a Glance and the Tile.

The big question is how advanced Gemini on your wrist will be. It would be interesting if you could access Gemini apps/Extensions on Wear OS.