ChatGPT replacing Google Assistant on Android phones—details ahead

Fueled by chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, 2023 witnessed a rise in generative AI. Although ChatGPT on Android was initially confined to its app, there are indications in the latest version that suggest it might become the default assistant for Android. If implemented, this shift could pose a challenge to Google’s longstanding dominance with Assistant on Android.

The potential transition of ChatGPT replacing Google Assistant on Android

As per Android Authority’s report, indications within the latest ChatGPT app (version 1.2023.352) suggest the possibility of replacing Google Assistant on Android:

“com.openai.voice.assistant.AssistantActivity”: This currently inactive code string implies the presence of voice assistant functionality.
“assistant_interaction_service” XML file: This code indicates an intention to function as a default assistant app, with tags outlining the necessary session and recognition services.
Missing Manifest declarations: Despite the existence of the assistant service framework, the ChatGPT app lacks essential declarations in its Manifest to seamlessly integrate with Android’s assistant system.

Replacing Google Assistant with ChatGPT may pose challenges

Despite these encouraging clues, OpenAI may encounter obstacles in substituting Google Assistant with ChatGPT:

Incomplete functionality: The report asserts that the assistant activity crashes when activated, indicating that the feature is still in development.
Limited hotword control: ChatGPT may face constraints in responding to custom hotwords due to restrictions on privileged APIs, as mentioned in the report.
Nevertheless, OpenAI appears committed to addressing these issues, evident in the latest app unveiling a planned Quick Settings tile for convenient access. To replace Google Assistant with ChatGPT on Android, users might need a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

Google’s intentions for Assistant featuring Bard

As Google prepares to introduce Assistant with Bard, OpenAI aims to maintain the accessibility and appeal of ChatGPT. Designating it as the default assistant and providing convenient access options, such as Quick Settings, are strategic maneuvers in this competitive AI landscape.

While ChatGPT’s aspirations on Android are clear, the interplay of technical challenges and Google’s Bard competitor adds an intriguing dimension. Whether ChatGPT surpasses Google Assistant remains uncertain, but one certainty emerges: the competition will enhance user experience by pushing the limits of AI assistance on Android.