Dicio: A Free Android Assistant That Fixes Gemini's Hands-Free Calling Issue and Protects Privacy

The article from ZDNet discusses Dicio, a free and open-source voice assistant for Android that serves as a replacement for Google Assistant, which is being discontinued. The author found Gemini unreliable for hands-free calls, prompting a search that led to Dicio. Dicio operates entirely on-device, ensuring privacy, and supports tasks like setting timers, opening apps (though not all), controlling media, hands-free calls, navigation via Google Maps, weather checks, and reading notifications. However, it cannot send messages or emails via voice, take notes, perform calculations (a bug), or integrate with Android Auto. Setup involves granting microphone permission, downloading speech-to-text, and setting up a wake word. The article notes that Dicio's lack of Android Auto support is due to Google not recognizing it as a valid assistant, and there are concerns about future Gemini paid tiers limiting free features. The author uses Dicio as their default assistant and hopes it gains broader recognition.