Dicio, free open-source Android assistant, replaces Gemini with on-device privacy

With Google Assistant being discontinued and Gemini struggling with reliability, particularly for hands-free calls, ZDNET's Jack Wallen tested Dicio, a free and open-source voice assistant available on the Google Play Store. What sets Dicio apart is its commitment to privacy: it interprets user input and generates output entirely on-device, meaning your conversations and commands never leave your phone. The setup process involves granting microphone permission, downloading a speech-to-text file, and installing an AI model for the wake word. Once configured, you simply say "Hey, Dicio" followed by a command.

In testing, Dicio performed well on many everyday tasks. Setting timers, making hands-free calls, and controlling Spotify worked flawlessly. Weather queries and read notifications also worked as expected, as did hands-free navigation via Google Maps. However, there are notable gaps: composing emails or sending messages via voice is not supported, note-taking doesn't work, calculations are currently bugged, and some apps like Spotify can't be launched reliably despite Dicio claiming success. The biggest limitation is the lack of Android Auto integration, which may be a dealbreaker for drivers. Despite these caveats, Dicio's on-device processing, open-source nature, and solid handling of essential tasks make it a compelling replacement for both Google Assistant and Gemini, especially for privacy-conscious users willing to accept its rough edges.