Google announced Gemini Intelligence, a branded suite of AI-powered features for advanced Android devices, during the Android Show livestream on May 12, 2026, ahead of Google I/O 2026 [1]. The new capabilities will initially launch on Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Google Pixel phones starting this summer [2, 1].
Gemini Intelligence introduces expanded task automation that lets the AI assistant act on users’ behalf across a wider range of apps, moving beyond rideshare and food delivery use cases currently supported [2, 1]. Google said this feature will soon open to even more apps to enhance automation [2, 1].
The system also adds multimodal input, enabling users to submit screenshots or photos as prompts. For example, users can add items directly from a grocery list screenshot to an online shopping cart [2].
A new tool called Create My Widget lets users create custom widgets by describing how they want them to work in natural language. These widgets will function on Wear OS smartwatches as well as phones, representing an early step toward generative user interfaces [2, 1].
Google emphasized user control, with Mindy Brooks, VP of product management on Gemini Intelligence, saying, "A user always has control. They can turn it off, they can make a choice, and we are very clear about providing those tools for them to make the choices that work for them" [1]. Visual indicators will alert users when the assistant is processing requests or working in the background [1].
Ben Greenwood, Google director of Android experiences, described Gemini Intelligence as bringing "the very best of Gemini to our most advanced Android devices" [2].
Later in 2026, Google plans to extend Gemini Intelligence features beyond phones to smartwatches, cars, smart glasses, and laptops [1]. This rollout will expand the reach of Gemini Intelligence's AI capabilities throughout the ecosystem [1].
