Google’s determination to finish assist for its third-party gadgets doesn’t imply they’ll cease working, however it’s indicative of what’s been occurring over the previous few years: they only gained’t obtain any new options or updates.
Discontinuing updates on third-party merchandise not solely looks as if a method for the corporate to chop off a line of merchandise which have been largely changed by the Nest Hub (which can quickly be usurped by the upcoming Pixel pill), nevertheless it’s additionally an indication of Google distancing itself from yesteryear’s Assistant and focusing extra on generative AI expertise like Bard.
In a memo obtained by CNBC final month, Google Assistant head Sissie Hsiao knowledgeable employees that the staff’s engineering vp, Amar Subramanya, would swap over to main the Bard staff. It additionally indicated that the division would tackle extra of a supporting function as Google continues to work on Bard.
“Because the Bard groups proceed this work, we need to guarantee we proceed to assist and execute on the alternatives forward,” Hsiao mentioned within the memo seen by CNBC. “This yr, greater than ever, we now have been centered on supply with impression to our customers.”
In the meantime, a report from The Data from October had beforehand revealed that Google was investing much less in Assistant merchandise for vehicles and different third-party gadgets that use the software program, together with TVs, headphones, good residence audio system, good glasses, and smartwatches. Hsiao reportedly instructed one colleague that Android Auto solely makes round $1 billion in annual income, which is barely sufficient to make a dent within the $257.6 billion Google made final yr. That’s why she might shift some individuals away from the initiative.