Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Google Brings Gemini Task Automations to Android in Limited Beta, Expands On‑Device Scam Protections

Google is starting with a small, opt‑in rollout on flagship phones to balance new assistance with privacy safeguards.

Overview

  • Gemini can now complete multi‑step actions like booking rides or reordering meals in a beta for the Galaxy S26 at launch, with Pixel 10 models to follow in March in the U.S. and South Korea.
  • Early support is restricted to select food, grocery and rideshare apps, with tasks executed in a secure virtual window that users can watch, pause or take over at any time.
  • Google says automations require an explicit command and will not finalize payments, prompting users to tap the final Pay or Confirm button themselves.
  • Scam Detection for calls, powered by Gemini on‑device models, is coming to the Samsung Phone app on Galaxy S26 devices in the U.S.; the feature is off by default and never used with contacts.
  • Google Messages protections are expanding to more than 20 countries with added language support, while Circle to Search gains multi‑object recognition and virtual try‑on on Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10.