Weekly Tech Recap: Google Assistant to retire soon, Samsung rolls out One UI 7 beta update in India and more

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be a daunting task to keep up with all the important news. To make it easier for readers, we’ve put together the Weekly Tech Recap, where we take a look at the top news stories making waves in the tech world. This week, Google confirmed that its Google Assistant will soon be retiring, Samsung began rolling out the One UI 7 beta update, and more.

Top tech news of the week:

1) Google Assistant is going away for good:

Google has officially confirmed that its classic Google Assistant will be retiring later this year, and Gemini will take up the mantle of default assistant app on Android. In a blog post about the big change, Google said that the classic Google Assisstant will no longer be available on most Android devices or for new downloads.

The company also confirmed that tablets, cars and other devices that connect to the phone, such as headphones and watches, will also be upgraded to Gemini. The tech giant also confirmed that it will be bringing Gemini to other home devices such as speakers, displays and TVs.

2) Samsung One UI 7 beta rollout begins in India:

Samsung has begun rolling out the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 beta update for its Galaxy S23 series in select regions, including India, the United States, and South Korea. The update, which was previously restricted to the Galaxy S24 series, is now available for users of the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra who wish to test Samsung’s latest custom interface ahead of its official release.

As per user reports on Samsung’s community forums, the beta update is currently available only for unlocked models. In India, the Galaxy S23 is receiving the update with firmware version S918BXXU8ZYC3, while the Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra are receiving firmware versions S918BOXM8ZYC3 and S918BXXU8DYC3, respectively. The update also includes the March 2025 security patch, ensuring the latest security enhancements.

3) Microsoft brings Copilot for gaming:

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has introduced Copilot for Gaming, an AI assistant aimed at improving the gaming experience. Announcing the feature on social media platform X, Nadella said, “With Copilot for Gaming, you can jump back into games faster, get real-time coaching, and stay connected… all on your own terms.”

A promotional video posted by Nadella demonstrated the AI assisting a user in downloading Age of Empires IV using voice commands on a smartphone. The AI also provided guidance in Minecraft, suggesting the next move in a survival scenario and aiding in-game strategy.

4) OnePlus to get rid of alert slider:

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has officially confirmed the company’s plans to replace the iconic Alert Slider, a feature that has been synonymous with OnePlus smartphones for years. The decision, long speculated upon, has now been made public through a community post from Lau, who framed the change as an “evolution” rather than a removal. However, for many devoted OnePlus users, the news marks the end of an era.

For years, the Alert Slider has been a hallmark of OnePlus devices, allowing users to toggle between sound profiles – a feature particularly useful in meetings or quiet settings. Its removal is set to disappoint loyal OnePlus fans who appreciated the convenience it offered.

5) OpenAI plans to charge $20,000 per month for ChatGPT models:

OpenAI is reportedly geared toward introducing several artificial agents soon. Various reports hint that the tech giant is working to roll out these AI agents on specialised domains.

A recent report from The Information hinted that OpenAI is working to launch three different AI chatbots. These AI chatbots are believed to offer specialised knowledge-based information on various domains. Citing sources, the publication suggested that these AI agents will be launched with monthly charges of up to $20,000 (approx ₹17,40,800).