The popular voice command “Ok, Google” to wake up Google’s assistant now has a replacement. This was revealed yesterday during the presentation of Android XR, Google’s new mixed reality platform. In one of the demonstration videos, the person showcasing the new VR/AR system used a completely different command to wake up the assistant. Interestingly, it was neither the classic “Ok, Google” nor “Hey, Google.”
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Although this change may seem small or like a minor detail, such decisions are rarely made by chance. During the presentation, Google emphasized that it is evolving how the assistant is activated. This was evident in the examples provided, where the likely new voice command was used: “Hey, Gemini.”
It’s not surprising that Google is making this change, as it is incorporating Gemini into many of its services. Just recently, we shared that the company’s smart speakers are already updating their voices and replacing Google Assistant with Gemini as the new assistant. This means Google Assistant is no longer part of the picture.
A few months ago, Android phones underwent a similar change. Although Gemini can still be activated using the familiar “Ok, Google” or “Hey, Google,” the original assistant has been replaced with the AI-powered Gemini model. Therefore, introducing a new name for the voice command seems like a logical next step.
Is ‘Ok, Google’ Going Away? The Big Question
For now, it remains a mystery. However, it’s quite clear that Google plans to prioritize “Hey, Gemini.” This makes sense as the company aims to strengthen its AI brand and align it with the new services it is launching and integrating. From a technical perspective, it also doesn’t make much sense to continue invoking “Google,” especially since the Assistant is no longer in use—at least on smart speakers for now—and is no longer the one assisting users.
Currently, the “Hey, Gemini” feature isn’t active yet. We tested it on a few Android devices in the office, but it didn’t work. Google hasn’t enabled the feature yet, though it seems likely it’s just a matter of time before they roll it out.
Will ‘Ok, Google’ Disappear?
Probably not—at least not right away. A less drastic approach would be to introduce “Hey, Gemini” while keeping the existing commands, ensuring the transition doesn’t cause frustration for users worldwide. However, if Google continues offering all the options, its goal of reinforcing the Gemini brand might not achieve the desired impact.
At Thetechbasic, if we had to guess, we’d bet on a gradual transition. The new “Hey, Gemini” would likely coexist with “Ok, Google” for a while before eventually replacing it entirely. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to start getting familiar with the new way to invoke the assistant.
