Android 16 might let Gemini order food for you
Google is heavily investing in Gemini, an advanced AI that is deeply integrated across various platforms. Gemini is gradually becoming the default voice assistant in many areas, including the latest Android phones. However, up until now, Gemini has been missing the capability to control different aspects of the phone and third-party apps, a function that Google Assistant excels at. This gap is expected to be bridged with the upcoming release of Android 16.
Enhanced Control for Gemini
Reports suggest that Google is planning to introduce a new API with Android 16, enabling services like Gemini to perform tasks within applications that were previously not possible. This new feature, known as app functions, will empower Gemini to manipulate apps in a manner that Google Assistant was unable to achieve. The initial hints of this development surfaced when a set of APIs mysteriously appeared in Google's developer documentation following the release of Android 16 DP1 recently.
The newly discovered APIs indicate that an app's functionality can be seamlessly integrated into various system features, suggesting a revolutionary approach to app functions. Presently, Gemini relies on extensions to interact with external services like Calendar and Google Hotels. Although these extensions provide data access, they are limited in their ability to control the apps themselves. With the anticipated API, apps will be able to directly collaborate with Gemini, expanding its capabilities significantly.
Potential of Google Assistant
In 2019, Google hinted at a new Google Assistant, hinting at a more interactive and seamless experience across various apps using voice commands. This aligns with the concept of AI agents offering personalized and efficient service. With the progress made by Google, there is a strong possibility that we might witness the full potential of AI with app functions when Android 16 launches on next year's Pixel.
