The most noteworthy of Google’s enhancements to its Gemini AI-powered features for the Android operating system was a new method of using the AI to manage multi-step operations, such as ordering food delivery or an Uber, which was introduced on Wednesday. These automations complement other Gemini enhancements that are being shipped today, such as the addition of phone fraud identification and Circle to Search updates that allow you to see everything on your phone’s screen.
According to Google, the automations enable customers to effectively transfer their to-do list to Gemini. The kinds of things that Gemini can handle are still restricted in practice, though.
The tool, which is now in beta, will first enable a few apps in the grocery, ridesharing, and food categories, according to the business.
Additionally, it will only work with the Gemini app on specific smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Pixel 10, and Pixel 10 Pro. Additionally, it will only be accessible in Korea and the United States at first.
Naturally, there is a chance that AI-powered automations could go awry, so Google has included certain safeguards. First of all, the owner of the device must give a clear command in order to activate the automations. You may monitor their progress in real time while they run and halt the task if it errs or becomes stuck. Additionally, Google observes that the automations occur within a safe, virtual window on your phone, where they can only access a select few apps and not the rest of your device’s data.
The functionality contributes to the expanding trend of automating more personal duties with AI. For example, ChatGPT offers an agent that can perform a range of computer-based tasks, such as accessing a calendar, creating a slideshow, or running code, and allows users to build tasks that may be conducted on schedules or at specific times. Meanwhile, Anthropic’s Cowork enables non-developers to automate routine file and task management by extending the capabilities of its Claude AI to non-coding jobs. Naturally, OpenClaw, an AI tool, recently gained popularity due to its capacity to handle routine chores like scheduling, emailing, booking flights, and more.
The introduction of a Scam Detection feature for phone conversations, which is now accessible for Samsung Galaxy S26 series handsets in the United States, is another Gemini upgrade that is on the way. (Pixels in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and the United Kingdom already have this functionality.) On Pixel 10 series handsets and shortly on the Galaxy S26 series phones, Google is also employing its Gemini on-device model to identify fraudulent SMS in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Last but not least, Google claims that its Circle to Search function, which enables you to start searches using motions like scribbles and circles, can now look for everything on your phone screen, not just a single item. In other words, you can look up every piece of apparel and accessory in an ensemble you like, or you may look up more information about a set of items and the associated subject on the screen.
Through new operating system updates and frequent updates known as Pixel Drops, Google has been systematically pushing Gemini updates to its Android ecosystem at regular intervals. These updates are specifically aimed for the Google Pixel, the company’s flagship phone. In the meantime, Apple has been having trouble releasing a more complete set of AI features, including an AI-powered Siri, whose release was just postponed once more until later this year.