Gemini Streamlines Multi-Step Tasks on Android

Google has unveiled a series of significant enhancements to its Gemini AI-powered features across the Android operating system. Most notably, the company is introducing a new capability that allows the AI to manage complex, multi-step tasks, such as ordering a ride through Uber or facilitating food delivery. These advanced automations are accompanied by other Gemini improvements launching today, including an expanded scam detection feature for phone calls and updates to Circle to Search that now enable users to identify all visible items on their device's screen.

Google explains that these automations are designed to allow users to effectively delegate portions of their to-do lists to Gemini. However, the practical scope of tasks that Gemini can currently manage remains somewhat constrained.

The company has indicated that this new automation feature, currently in a beta phase, will initially support a curated selection of applications within the food, grocery, and rideshare sectors.

Furthermore, its availability will be limited to the Gemini app on specific devices, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Geographically, it will first roll out exclusively in the U.S. and Korea.

Recognizing the inherent potential for errors in AI-driven automations, Google has incorporated several protective measures. Crucially, these automations cannot be initiated without an explicit command from the device owner. As a task executes, users can monitor its real-time progress and intervene to halt it if a mistake occurs or if the process becomes unresponsive. Google also emphasizes that these automations operate within a secure, virtual window on the phone, granting them access only to a restricted set of apps and preventing them from accessing other personal data on the device.

This new functionality aligns with a broader industry trend of leveraging AI to automate an increasing number of tasks in users' daily lives. For instance, ChatGPT enables users to create scheduled tasks or utilize an agent to complete various computer-based operations, such as managing calendars, generating presentations, or executing code. Similarly, Anthropic’s Cowork extends the capabilities of its Claude AI to non-coding tasks, empowering non-developers to automate routine file and task management. Additionally, the AI tool OpenClaw recently garnered widespread attention for its ability to handle everyday activities like sending emails, organizing calendars, and checking into flights.

Another key Gemini update rolling out now is the expansion of its Scam Detection feature for phone calls, which is becoming available on Samsung Galaxy S26 series devices in the U.S. This feature is already present on Pixel phones across the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and the U.K. Google is also utilizing its on-device Gemini model to detect scam texts in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. on Pixel 10 series devices, with plans to extend this to the Galaxy S26 series phones soon.

Finally, Google's popular Circle to Search feature, which allows users to initiate searches using gestures like scribbling or circling, has been enhanced. It can now search for every element visible on the phone screen, rather than being confined to a single object. This means users can, for example, search every item of clothing and accessory in a desired outfit, or gain more information about a group of objects and related topics displayed on their screen.

Google has maintained a consistent pace in releasing Gemini updates to its Android ecosystem through regular operating system updates and specific enhancements for its flagship Pixel phones, often delivered via "Pixel Drops." In contrast, Apple has reportedly faced challenges in rolling out a more comprehensive suite of AI features, including an anticipated AI-powered Siri, the launch of which was recently postponed again until later in the year.