Gemini can now automate some multi-step tasks on Android.

Google on Wednesday announced a series of updates to the Gemini AI-based features of its Android operating system. Most notable are new ways to use AI to handle multi-step tasks like ordering Uber or delivering food. These automations are in addition to other Gemini improvements rolling out today, including expanded fraud detection for phone calls and an update to Circle to Search that can now identify anything on your phone’s screen.

Google explains that automation allows users to essentially offload their to-do lists to Gemini. But in reality, the types of things Gemini can manage are still limited.

The company said the feature, which is in beta, will initially support select apps in the food, grocery, and ridesharing categories.

It’s also limited to the Gemini app on certain devices, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S26 series. And it will initially only be available in the US and Korea.

Of course, AI-based automation can potentially go wrong, so Google added some protections. First of all, automation cannot be started without explicit command from the device owner. You can check progress in real time as it runs and stop the task if you make a mistake or get stuck. Google also says that the automation takes place in a secure virtual window on your phone, with no access to the rest of your device’s data, only limited apps.

This feature ties into the trend of using AI to automate more tasks in users’ personal lives. For example, ChatGPT allows users to create tasks that can be run on a schedule or at specific times, as well as provide agents that can complete a variety of computer-based tasks, such as navigating a calendar, creating a slideshow, or running code. Meanwhile, Anthropic’s Cowork brings the power of Claude AI to non-coding tasks, allowing even non-developers to automate routine file and task management. Of course, an AI tool called OpenClaw has recently gone viral for its ability to manage everyday tasks like sending emails, managing calendars, checking in for flights, and more.

Another Gemini update rolling out now is an expansion of the fraud detection feature for phone calls, available on Samsung Galaxy S26 series devices in the US (the feature is already available on Pixel phones in the US, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and the UK). Google is also using the Gemini on-device model to detect scam texts in the US, Canada, and the UK on Pixel 10 series devices, and will soon be available on Galaxy S26 series phones.

Lastly, Google announced that its Circle to Search feature, which lets you use gestures like scribbling or circling to start a search, will now allow you to search for anything that appears on your phone’s screen rather than just a single object. This means you can search for every item of clothing and every accessory for your favorite outfit, and learn more about a series of items and related topics right on your screen.

Google has been steadily rolling out Gemini updates to the Android ecosystem on a regular basis with frequent updates known as Pixel Drops, with new operating system updates and updates targeting its flagship phone, the Google Pixel. Meanwhile, Apple is working to roll out a more comprehensive set of AI features, which are expected to include AI-powered Siri. The release was recently delayed again until the end of the year.