Dicio Replaces Google Assistant on Android as Free App Fixes Hands-Free Calling

1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Aug 14

Dicio emerged as a workable Google Assistant replacement after Gemini repeatedly failed at reliable hands-free calling and Google prepared to discontinue Assistant next month.
The free, open-source Android app runs much of its speech processing on-device, a privacy-focused design that avoids sending as much user data to third-party servers.
Basic tasks worked well in testing, including timers, weather, notification reading, Google Maps navigation, Spotify controls and hands-free phone calls.
Key gaps remain: Dicio could not send messages or emails by voice, note-taking and calculations were unreliable, some apps failed to open, and Android Auto support is absent.
That Android Auto limitation stems from Google not recognizing Dicio as a valid in-car voice assistant, a hurdle that could limit broader adoption even as concerns grow over Gemini's direction and $7.99-a-month paid tier.