The “At a Look” widget has lengthy been a useful software, conveniently displaying important data like the present climate, upcoming calendar occasions, reminders, and extra. On Google Pixel units, it’s really a everlasting fixture (for now). On different Android units, it’s often discovered inside the record of Android widgets below the Google class and is aptly named “Assistant at a Look,” clearly showcasing its connection to Google Assistant.
In October of final 12 months, the widget obtained a redesign, giving it a extra fashionable and materials look. Nonetheless, as seen by 9to5Google, the newest beta model of the Google app (v.15.11.42.28.x) quietly eliminated the phrase “assistant” from the widget’s title and settings descriptions.
“At a Look” widget description earlier than and after the Google app replace
This alteration leaves room for hypothesis and suggests a deliberate transfer to distance the “At a Look” performance from the Google Assistant branding. It’s unclear presently what the reasoning behind this resolution could also be. Nonetheless, we suspect it has one thing to do with the launch of the Gemini app on Android, which was rumored to be an eventual alternative for Google Assistant.Because it stands proper now, the Gemini app on Android units doesn’t provide the identical performance because the Google Assistant does. It’s nonetheless missing primary options akin to creating or altering a timer or alarm, studying net pages out loud, and even one thing so simple as recognizing a music that is enjoying.
No matter Google’s long-term plans, the change in the end makes the widget’s identify extra streamlined and descriptive. I hope this additionally signifies main enhancements to return to the Gemini app sooner or later in an effort to make it a real alternative for the tried-and-true Assistant.