Gemini task automation is slow, clunky, and super impressive
#Gemini #task automation #AI assistant #Pixel 10 Pro #Galaxy S26 Ultra #beta #The Verge
📌 Key Takeaways
- Gemini's new task automation feature allows AI to use apps for users on select devices.
- The feature is currently limited to a few food delivery and rideshare services and is in beta.
- It is described as slow and clunky, not solving major phone usage problems.
- Despite its flaws, it is seen as an impressive glimpse into the future of AI assistants.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
AI Automation, Mobile Technology
📚 Related People & Topics
Virtual assistant
Software agent
A virtual assistant (VA) is a software agent that can perform a range of tasks or services for a user based on user input, such as commands or questions, including verbal ones. Such technologies often incorporate chatbot capabilities to streamline task execution. The interaction may be via text, gra...
The Verge
American technology news and media website
The Verge is an online American technology news publication headquartered in Lower Manhattan, New York City and operated by Vox Media. The website publishes news, feature stories, guidebooks, product reviews, consumer electronics news, and podcasts. The website was launched on November 1, 2011 and u...
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Why It Matters
This news matters because it showcases a significant step toward practical AI integration in daily life, potentially transforming how users interact with smartphones by automating routine tasks. It affects consumers, app developers, and tech companies, as it could shift user expectations toward more autonomous, AI-driven device experiences. While currently limited, its development signals a future where AI assistants handle complex, multi-step actions, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
Context & Background
- AI assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa have historically been limited to voice commands and simple queries, lacking the ability to perform multi-step tasks within apps.
- Previous attempts at task automation on phones have relied on user-created scripts or basic automation tools, but not integrated AI-driven control of third-party apps.
- Google's Gemini is part of a broader trend of generative AI models expanding beyond text and image generation into practical, real-world applications.
What Happens Next
Google will likely expand the beta to more users and apps, with potential announcements at upcoming events like Google I/O. Expect improvements in speed and reliability based on user feedback, and possible integration with other Google services or Android features. Competitors like Apple or Samsung may respond with similar AI automation features in their ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gemini task automation is a new feature that allows Google's AI assistant to control apps on smartphones, such as ordering food or booking rides, by performing actions on behalf of the user.
It's impressive because it represents a breakthrough in AI's ability to interact with real-world apps autonomously, moving beyond simple queries to actual task execution, which is a foundational step toward more advanced AI assistants.
As per the article, it's being tested on the Pixel 10 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra, though it's in beta and limited to a small set of apps like food delivery and rideshare services.
Unlike traditional assistants that respond to voice commands or provide information, Gemini can take direct actions within apps, such as navigating interfaces and completing transactions, without manual user input.
The feature is slow, clunky, limited to a few apps, and in beta, meaning it doesn't yet solve serious problems or offer widespread utility, but it demonstrates potential for future development.