ChatGPT Now Replaces Google’s Gemini as Default Assistant on Android

ChatGPT by OpenAI has officially taken over as the default digital assistant on Android devices, moving past Google’s Gemini with the latest beta update (v1.2025.070). This eagerly anticipated development enables users to access ChatGPT through system-wide shortcuts, making it just as convenient as Google’s built-in AI assistant.

Previously, the Android platform allowed a variety of digital assistants; however, only Google’s Gemini could be activated with default navigation gestures and buttons. With this recent update, enthusiasts of ChatGPT can now summon OpenAI’s assistant as effortlessly as they would Google’s.

New Features for ChatGPT as Default Digital Assistant

This new beta update enables users to set ChatGPT as their primary digital assistant, giving them the ability to:

• Activate ChatGPT by long-pressing the home button (for users with three-button navigation).
• Swipe up from the bottom corner (for those using gesture navigation).
• Initiate ChatGPT by long-pressing the power button, if this feature is enabled in the settings.

Once activated, ChatGPT operates in voice mode. Nevertheless, some users may notice that its current voice features are somewhat less expansive when compared to rivals like Perplexity AI.

Limitations of the Current Update

Despite these advancements, the ability to launch ChatGPT with a custom hotword, similar to Google Assistant’s “Hey Google” feature, remains unavailable. This limitation is due to Google’s control over certain privileged APIs that are necessary for hotword detection, which restricts this functionality to preinstalled, trusted applications like Gemini.

Even though the hotword feature is not currently accessible, this update signifies a significant improvement for ChatGPT users, who can now conveniently employ OpenAI’s AI assistant without the need to manually open the application.