Samsung XR headset suggests the end of 'Hey Google' is imminent — here's why
See ya, Google Assistant!
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
"Hey Google" is a familiar phrase for anyone who likes to use their Android phones hands-free. But there are hints from a newly-announced Google/Samsung product that you won't be calling out to Google in quite the same way in the future.
As part of the announcement of Samsung's Project Moohan headset and Android XR-powered smart glasses, we saw the use of a modified "Hey Gemini" hotword instead. For example, in the demo video below, where the user orders from a Korean takeout place, she summons help with "Hey Gemini," before the assistant then helps figure out what she may want to do. It then advises and translates to help place an order with no mention of "Google" anywhere.
Having seen this clip, perhaps you also feel that a move like this was inevitable. Gemini is rapidly replacing Google Assistant as the helper of choice on Android phones, both because of its more capable AI-powered features and simply because it's newer. As well-known as Google is, calling to Gemini sounds more like the future right now.
It'll still take a while for Google Assistant to completely disappear though. It's been baked into phones for the best part of a decade prior to now, and nobody expects all those users to immediately upgrade. Also, Google Assistant has app integrations, such as music streamers, that Gemini doesn't currently have access to.
Project Moohan has been confirmed for a 2025 launch, perhaps at the rumored Galaxy Unpacked event in January. That would be two years since it was first announced after all.
We can't wait to try out Project Moohan, or whatever it ends up being named, as it'll be the Apple Vision Pro challenger we've been waiting for. And thanks to the arrival of the open-source Android XR, it's inevitable that other companies will try their hand at spatial computing too. 2025's looking like a good year for AR/VR.
More from Tom's Guide
- Samsung Galaxy S26 could return to Exynos over Snapdragon — here's what we know
- iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 16 Pro: 5 reasons to wait for the new iPhone
- Google Pixel 10 leak just gave us our first look at the new flagship's design
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.
