Google Confirms Assistant Rollout Will Not Extend to Tablets

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Google Assistant was one of the Google Pixel‘s defining features when the new flagships first launched. The product showcased the best of Google’s work in machine learning and natural language processing. As the Pixel exclusivity ended and Assistant was opened up for all, people were naturally waiting for Assistant to land up on all of their Android 6.0+ devices.

Unfortunately, if you are one of those few who still own a tablet and have it running on Android 6.0 and higher, there is some bad news. Google has confirmed to AndroidPolice that the wider Assistant roll-out does not include tablets. Google Assistant on Android will remain restricted to smartphones running Android 6.0+ with Google Play Services and the Google App installed.

The Assistant will be available on Android Marshmallow and Nougat phones with Google Play Services, this does not include tablets.

Google did not comment further on the reasoning for this exclusion or if they have any future plans for incorporating tablets in the roll-out. There is a possibility that Google may change their minds and that tablets will get Google Assistant at some point in the future, but that seems unlikely. Android tablets are considered a dying breed, so Google’s decision is not really surprising, albeit ultimately disappointing.

Of course, you can always unofficially load up Google Assistant if you really want to.

What are your thoughts on Google not including tablets in their rollout? Let us know in the comments below!