Switched from Assistant to Gemini on my S21 Ultra and when I say “call dad” it says there’s nobody named dad in my contacts. Switched back to Assistant and it works perfectly. Is it still really this terrible or is there a setting that needs to be changed?

Experiencing Voice Command Inconsistencies: Switching from Google Assistant to Gemini on Galaxy S21 Ultra

In today’s digital age, voice-activated assistants have become integral to our daily routines, offering convenience and hands-free productivity. However, users sometimes encounter perplexing issues that hamper their experience. Recently, a Galaxy S21 Ultra user shared their observations after switching from Google Assistant to the newly introduced Gemini assistant.

The Issue Encountered

The user initially reported that when they prompted the device with commands such as “call dad,” the assistant failed to recognize the contact, responding with messages indicating there was no contact named “dad” in their contacts list. Interestingly, this issue persisted when using Gemini, the alternative virtual assistant.

Upon reverting back to Google Assistant, the command functioned as expected, successfully initiating the call to the intended contact. This disparity raised questions about the reliability and setup requirements of the newer assistant compared to the well-established Google Assistant.

Understanding the Underlying Causes

It’s important to recognize that voice recognition accuracy hinges on several factors, including proper configuration and synchronization of contacts. In this case, the user confirmed that “dad” is an existing entry within their Google contacts, and the assistant is set to recognize such familial labels.

The discrepancy suggests that the newer Gemini assistant may require additional setup steps or permissions to access contacts effectively. Alternatively, it could be a limitation or bug within the assistant’s current version, which might be addressed in future updates.

Implications for Users

For individuals relying heavily on voice commands for everyday tasks, these inconsistencies can be frustrating. It’s advisable to review the following settings when deploying new assistants:

• Permissions: Ensure the assistant has access to your contacts and call logs.
• Contact Labels: Verify that contacts are correctly labeled and synced across accounts.
• Assistant Settings: Check for any configuration options related to voice recognition and contact integration.

Conclusion

While innovative assistants like Gemini promise enhanced features and capabilities, their current performance may not yet match the reliability of Google’s established assistant, especially in specialized commands. Users should remain vigilant about permissions and settings, and consider reverting to familiar solutions if productivity is hindered.

Your Experience

Have you encountered similar issues with new virtual assistants? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. As these technologies evolve, user feedback remains vital in shaping their reliability and functionality.