Google and Samsung announce major software and hardware updates

Google is implementing significant changes to its Android ecosystem. Starting September 4, the company will begin phasing out Google Assistant on smartphones and tablets, replacing it with its Gemini AI model. This transition is intended to provide a more creative and intelligent user experience across hardware, including Wear OS devices and compatible headphones. Additionally, Google is introducing ‘Motion Assist,’ a feature designed to reduce motion sickness by synchronizing visual elements on the screen with a vehicle’s physical movements.

Samsung is also facing major developments. The company has begun rolling out an August 2026 security update for the Galaxy S23 series, starting in South Korea. Meanwhile, Samsung is experiencing production difficulties for its premium Galaxy Z Fold 8 due to unexpectedly high demand. A shortage of specialized Display Driver ICs (DDI) produced by Taiwan’s UMC has created a supply chain bottleneck, as current manufacturing capacities are fully utilized and production cycles for these custom chips take approximately four months.