Google is expanding the capabilities of its Gemini AI on Android with a major new feature: multi-step task automation. The update allows users to delegate everyday tasks — like ordering a ride or food delivery — directly to Gemini.
The feature marks a significant step toward AI-powered personal assistants that can actively complete actions instead of just responding to prompts.
Gemini Automation: What It Can Do
With the new update, Gemini can now handle certain multi-step workflows inside supported apps. For example, users can ask Gemini to:
- Order a rideshare
- Place a food delivery
- Manage select grocery-related tasks
Instead of manually navigating between apps, Gemini performs the steps on your behalf.
However, the feature is currently in beta and remains limited in scope. At launch, automation support is restricted to select apps in the food, grocery, and rideshare categories.
Supported Devices and Availability
The automation feature is only available through the Gemini app on specific devices, including:
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S26 series
Initially, the rollout is limited to users in the United States and South Korea.
Built-In Safeguards and Privacy Protections
Because AI-driven automations can potentially make mistakes, Google has added several layers of protection:
- Automations require an explicit command from the device owner
- Users can monitor progress in real time
- Tasks can be stopped instantly if something goes wrong
- Actions run inside a secure virtual window
- Access is limited to approved apps, not full device data
This approach aims to balance convenience with user control and privacy.
Expanded Scam Detection on Android
In addition to automation, Google is expanding its AI-powered scam detection features.
On the Samsung Galaxy S26 series in the U.S., scam detection for phone calls is now available. The feature was already supported on Pixel devices in several countries.
Google is also using its on-device Gemini model to detect scam texts on Pixel 10 devices in select regions, with Galaxy S26 support coming soon.
These enhancements reflect Google’s broader push to integrate AI-driven safety tools directly into Android.
Circle to Search Gets Smarter
Another notable update involves Circle to Search, Google’s gesture-based search tool.
Previously, Circle to Search allowed users to circle or scribble over a single object on the screen to learn more about it. Now, it can identify and search for multiple items simultaneously.
For example:
- Identify every clothing item in an outfit
- Search for multiple accessories at once
- Learn about groups of objects within a single image
This enhancement makes visual search more comprehensive and practical.
The Bigger AI Push on Android
Google has been steadily expanding Gemini’s capabilities across Android through regular software updates and Pixel-focused feature releases. The move toward task automation aligns with a broader industry trend of AI agents that can actively complete digital tasks.
With automation, scam detection, and enhanced visual search, Gemini is evolving from a conversational assistant into a more action-oriented AI system embedded deeply within Android.
