GOOGLE Assistant will be removed from all LG TVs tomorrow, which is expected to cause disruption to other household smart gadgets.
The voice assistant is being pulled into retirement by Google, in favour of its new AI-powered successor Gemini.
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The tool is used to control the TV through voice alone – but works alongside other Google products, like smart speakers and displays.
However, LG will not replace Google Assistant with Gemini, and has instead opted for Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot.
The switch from a Google service to Microsoft means TVs will no longer be compatible with other Google smart gadgets.
Households who used their LG TV in coordination with other Google devices will no longer be able to maintain that routine.
Copilot won’t be able to ‘talk’ to Google gadgets in the way Google Assistant or Gemini could.
The TV company has warned customers through an on-screen message that it will axe the Google tool on 1 May.
While the voice recognition service enabled through the microphone button on the remote will still be available, it will be handled by LG’s own voice assistant.
Customers have complained on social media, saying LG shouldn’t be able to kill off a feature that was available when they purchased their televisions.
“I wonder if we can get some compensation since they are taking away a feature that they advertise with the TV,” one user said on Reddit earlier this month.
“It’s the only reason why everyone on here bought an LG OLED, for the Google Assistant.”
Another said: “This p****d me off when I turned my TV on this morning. I have a Google Home Mini linked to my LG TV and love using my voice to turn it on after a long day at work or to control it when I can’t find the remote.
“I think I might look into getting a Sony TV in the future.”
A third person wrote: “They should make Gemini work with ThinQ instead of removing it.
“My whole house has voice control and now another Google home [tool] is leaving.
“It was very handy to grab the remote and push the mic button to change lights, close the blinds, turn on the fan, close the garage & lock the door.”
LG GAMING PERK
While LG TVs are losing the beloved Google Assistant, they have gained a huge gaming perk that could save households hundreds.
After an update, specific LG Smart TV models can access the Xbox app, adding support for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
It means owners will be able to play Xbox games on the TV without even owning the console.
And that’s a pretty sweet deal, given that an Xbox Series S costs £249.99, rising to £429.99 for the Xbox Series X Digital Edition.
These days, internet speeds are fast enough that you don’t need a console to play high quality games.
So Microsoft – which owns Xbox – can create the gaming visuals for you far away on a server, then beam them back to your TV – a bit like Netflix, for games.
All you need is a controller, and you’re good to game.
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WHAT IS MICROSOFT COPILOT?
Microsoft Copilot is a rival to Gemini – although it is technically more capable.
The tool has more AI capabilities in comparison to Google’s product.
This because Copilot is newer, and is built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 algorithm.
Google Assistant is capable of simple tasks, like finding shows and controlling other smart home devices.
Gemini goes a step further, and can analyse data, generate text and also understand natural language requests.
Microsoft Copilot, on the other hand, can do that as well as learn about its users over time.
If you’re worried about losing Google Assistant, then Google TV Streamer may be a good option.
It is Google’s Roku and Fire Stick alternative that replaced Chromecast late last year.
How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV
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Fortunately there are loads of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about.
And we’re not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Here are some free alternatives worth trying: