Google unveils major AI and Android updates, including Gemini Intelligence and Android 17.
Google has announced a sweeping series of updates centered on its artificial intelligence system, Gemini, alongside detailed specifications for its upcoming Android 17 operating system. The announcements were made at The Android Show and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 launch event, preceding Google's annual I/O developer conference.
New features include task automation, enhanced scam detection, redesigned emoji, and expanded cross-platform file sharing.
Gemini Intelligence and Automation
Google introduced "Gemini Intelligence," a label for advanced AI features on premium Android devices. The first wave of features is scheduled for release in summer 2026 on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.
Task Automation
A new task automation feature, sometimes called "screen automation," is now available on the Google Pixel 10 series and the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. The feature allows the Gemini AI assistant to control certain Android applications on behalf of the user using voice commands.
Functionality: When activated, Gemini can initiate and manage tasks within supported apps. For example, a user can request Gemini to order food or book a ride. The automation proceeds in the background. The system is designed to handle initial transaction steps but prompts the user to finalize the checkout process via a notification and control handover. Users can stop an automated task at any time. Each task runs within a secure, virtual window isolated from other applications.
Supported Applications: Currently supported applications include Lyft, Uber, Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Starbucks.
Device Support: The feature is available in beta on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Galaxy S26 series in the United States and Korea. Google has stated it plans to expand support to additional applications and devices in the future.
Reported Issues: One test identified a bug where a full-screen preview of the automation process caused a phone to lock, requiring a forced reboot.
Additional Gemini Features
- Chrome Integration: In late June, Gemini will integrate into Chrome as a browsing assistant for research, summarization, and web content comparison.
- Autofill: An enhanced autofill feature will use information from connected apps (e.g., Gmail, Google Photos) to fill forms. This is an opt-in feature.
- Rambler: An updated voice-to-text feature in Gboard that removes filler words (e.g., "um," "ah") while maintaining the speaker's style. Multiple languages are supported.
- Create My Widget: Users can describe a widget in natural language for Gemini to build. Widgets can display weather, recipes, countdowns, stock info, and more.
- Magic Cue: A feature that provides proactive, context-based suggestions across messaging, email, weather, and phone applications.
Android 17 Operating System Features
Android 17 is described by Google as focusing on creators, security, and digital wellbeing.
Security and Privacy
- Scam Call Detection: Android will check incoming calls against banking app activity to verify legitimacy and end suspicious calls automatically. Partnerships include Revolut, Itaú, and Nubank. This feature will be available on Android 11 and later.
- On-Device Call Scam Detection: Galaxy S26 phones will receive an in-call scam protection feature that operates on Google's on-device AI. It listens to calls from numbers not in the user's contacts list and displays a "Likely scam" warning with an audible alert if it detects speech patterns typical of fraud. This feature is off by default and exclusive to the Galaxy S26 in English in the US.
- Text Scam Detection: Improvements to text-scam detection have been announced, now available in over 20 countries and supporting languages including Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Live Threat Detection: The feature has been updated to monitor SMS forwarding, accessibility overlay hijacks, and other suspicious app behavior using on-device AI.
- Chrome Advanced Protection: USB protection and intrusion logging, developed with Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, will block unauthorized USB data access when the screen is locked.
- Anti-Theft: The "mark as lost" feature forces biometric unlock, hides Quick Settings, and disables new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
- Privacy Upgrades: Includes finer-grained location control (short-term precise location only) and a contacts picker that allows sharing specific contacts or fields. Post-quantum cryptography support will be included.
Creator and Entertainment Features
- Screen Reactions: A feature allowing simultaneous front and back camera recording for reaction videos. Coming to Pixel phones.
- Instagram Integration: Android 17 will allow Instagram users to capture in Ultra HDR and use Night Sight. Instagram will receive tablet optimization and improved content sharing quality.
- Adobe Premiere App: The Adobe Premiere app is coming to Android in summer 2026.
- APV Codec: The APV codec, co-developed with Samsung, will be supported on Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered flagship devices (e.g., Galaxy S26, vivo X300 Ultra) for storage-efficient professional video.
- Noto 3D Emoji: Over 4,000 emojis have been updated to a 3D representation in Android 17, rolling out later this year.
Digital Wellbeing
- Pause Point: A new Digital Wellbeing tool that adds a 10-second delay before opening designated distracting apps. It offers breathing exercises, a timer, favorite photos, and alternative app suggestions. Users can restart the phone to override it.
Cross-Platform Sharing and Transfers
- Quick Share / AirDrop Compatibility: Compatibility has been expanded to devices from Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor. QR code-based sharing with iOS will be available. Quick Share will also be available within WhatsApp and other apps.
- iOS-to-Android Transfer: An overhauled migration tool supporting passwords, photos, messages, contacts, homescreen layout, and eSIM. It will be available first on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices.
Android Auto and Automotive
Android Auto will receive a Material 3 Expressive redesign with new fonts, animations, wallpapers, and widgets. Google Maps Immersive Navigation will be displayed edge-to-edge. Supported car brands (BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, Volvo) will get full HD video at 60 FPS while parked, with video transitioning to audio-only when the car is moving. Spatial sound with Dolby Atmos will be available for select brands. Gemini Intelligence features, including Magic Cue replies and app automation, will be available via Android Auto later this year. Cars with Google built-in (Android Automotive) will receive these features and access to meeting apps like Zoom.
Googlebooks
Google announced a new device category called "Googlebook," described as a laptop rethought with Gemini Intelligence. Features include a "Magic Pointer" for interacting with on-screen content, a "Create Your Widget" function for the desktop, and tight Android phone integration. Partners include Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The first Googlebooks are scheduled for release in fall 2026.
Additional Updates
- June Android Drop: Google announced a June Android Drop, including the expansion of Quick Share compatibility functionality.
- Google Play Books: Introduced an AI-powered "Book insights" feature for select English titles.
- Personal Safety App: Will be available for children under 13, offering medical information display, emergency contacts, crash detection, and location sharing.
- Google Photos Wardrobe: A feature that catalogs clothing from users' photo libraries and enables virtual try-ons, rolling out on Android 10+ devices in the US, India, and Brazil.
- Circle to Search: An update allows Android 14+ devices to identify all items in an outfit simultaneously, with virtual try-on options.
- Pixel March Update: Features include an enhanced desktop experience for Pixel 8 and newer models, an At-a-Glance widget for Pixel 7 and newer, and Now Playing app support for Pixel 6 and newer.