Google is bringing Google Assistant to even more smartphones, and, for the first time, tablets too. This means that even if you own an older Android handset or budget Android handset you should still be able to start using Google Assistant. Unfortunately, it's only coming to newer tablets.

Assistant was initially only available on the Google Pixel. Then, Google rolled it out to handsets running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or Android 7.0 (Nougat). Now, Google Assistant is coming to smartphones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop), and tablets running Marshmallow or Nougat.

Stuck Using an Old Version of Android

In February 2017, Google rolled Assistant out to Android handsets running Marshmallow or Nougat. And while it was satisfying to see Assistant reaching more users, almost 50 percent of Android users are still using an older version of Android. Which means no Google Assistant.

Now, however, Google is bringing Assistant to Android handsets running Lollipop. And given the current levels of Android fragmentation, that might well include you. You can check what version of Android your device is running by clicking Settings > About > Software Information.

As explained on The Keyword, Assistant will be rolling out to "users with the language set to English in the U.S., UK, India, Australia, Canada and Singapore, as well as in Spanish in the U.S., Mexico and Spain. It’s also rolling out to users in Italy, Japan, Germany, Brazil and Korea."

Android tablet owners haven't been forgotten either, with Assistant coming to tablets running Nougat and Marshmallow. Unfortunately, this is currently limited to "users with the language set to English in the U.S." And there's no word yet on if or when other countries will be added.

Assistant Is Always There to Help

Google Assistant is a thing of beauty. Once you learn its many and varied capabilities it can aid you in many facets of your life. Which is why it's so satisfying to see Google bringing Assistant to older phones and newer tablets. Now, if only Google could fix Android's fragmentation problem.

What version of Android is your smartphone or tablet currently running? Have you already got access to Google Assistant? Or will this be your first shot at using Assistant? What do you think of Google Assistant and its capabilities? Please let us know in the comments below!