Gemini Intelligence: Google Revolutionizes Automation on Android

Google recently announced a series of new features for Gemini during its pre-I/O showcase dedicated to Android. These updates aim to optimize phone usage, with Gemini being integrated into various locations such as Chrome on Android, autocomplete suggestions, and other applications based on user preferences.

Google is also introducing a new term: Gemini Intelligence. According to Ben Greenwood, Director of Android Experiences at Google, this "brings the best of Gemini to our most advanced Android devices." This initiative combines certain existing and new features, seemingly reserved for high-end Android phones like the Galaxy S26 series.

Enhanced Task Automation

Task automation is one of the flagship features of Gemini Intelligence. Already available on some recent Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, it allows Gemini to use certain applications on your behalf. Until now, this was limited to a few ridesharing and food delivery apps. However, Google plans to expand this feature to a greater number of applications "soon."

Additionally, Gemini now incorporates multimodality. Previously, Gemini's actions were limited to voice or text commands. Now, users can integrate screenshots or photos. For example, a screenshot of a grocery list in a notes app can be used to add those items to a cart, provided the Android phone is compatible with Gemini Intelligence.

Create My Widget: Advanced Customization

Under the banner of Gemini Intelligence, Google is launching a new feature called Create My Widget. This innovation allows users to describe in natural language the desired functionality, and the AI takes care of creating a custom widget. Among the examples provided by Google are a weather widget for cyclists, displaying wind speed and precipitation, or a dashboard suggesting specific recipes, such as "three high-protein meal recipes each week." These widgets will also be available on Wear OS, making these tools accessible on smartwatches.

Integration in Chrome and Autocomplete

Google is also extending existing Gemini features from the desktop version of Chrome to its Android app. This means users will see a Gemini button in Chrome, allowing them to share the content of a webpage and ask questions to Gemini directly in the browser. For those subscribed to Google’s AI Pro or Ultra plans, automatic browsing will be available starting late June, facilitating tasks like scheduling appointments.

Moreover, Gemini will be optionally present in the autocomplete feature on Android. Users will be able to choose to connect Gemini to help them fill out forms, using information from Google Photos and Gmail. For instance, Gemini could extract a license plate number from Google Photos. While this may seem both useful and strange, it is part of Gemini's season, according to Google.

Ben Greenwood clarified that the features of Gemini Intelligence "will be rolled out in waves as they become available throughout this year," with a priority given to Galaxy and Pixel phones that will start receiving updates this summer.