Gemini expands to 40+ apps; Samsung unveils 2 new Android XR glasses
▼ Summary
– The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8, and Flip 8 feature an upgraded native migration experience for transferring more data types, including eSIM, from an iPhone wirelessly as part of Android 17.
– Gemini task automation now supports over 40 apps for shopping, reservations, travel, and tickets, and can be accessed on the Flip 8’s Flex Window by long-pressing the power button.
– The Gemini app can use advanced reasoning to understand on-screen content and parse complex images as prompts.
– Gemini Notebook is pre-installed on Samsung’s new foldables, allowing drag-and-drop of various media into a side-by-side workspace on the Fold 8’s larger display.
– On the Galaxy Watch 9, Gemini can be activated by raising your wrist, matching the Pixel Watch 4’s hotword-less feature.
At this year’s Galaxy Unpacked event, Google rolled out several Gemini updates specifically tailored for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8, and Flip 8. These new devices highlight the improved native migration experience, which now supports transferring a wider array of data from an iPhone wirelessly. Built into Android 17, this process now includes your Google Account, passwords, Wi-Fi credentials, and eSIM, alongside existing data such as photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendar entries. This feature is currently available on Pixel devices and will expand to other Android phones in the future.
Earlier this year, when Gemini task automation launched in beta, it only supported six rideshare and delivery apps on the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 series. Now, as part of Gemini Intelligence, the capability extends to over 40 apps spanning shopping, restaurant reservations, travel booking, and event tickets. Notable additions include Etsy and Expedia. For Flip 8 users, accessing this daily life assistance is as simple as long-pressing the power button on the Flex Window.
The Gemini app has also gained the ability to use advanced reasoning to interpret what is on your screen and analyze complex images as prompts. This allows you to provide a shopping list or an inspiration photo and receive actionable help, offering a powerful starting point for tasks.
The recently rebranded Gemini Notebook comes pre-installed on Samsung’s new foldables. Google highlights how users can drag and drop photos, documents, whiteboard images, voice recordings, and more directly into a side-by-side workspace on the Fold 8’s larger display. Each of the three new devices,the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8, and Flip 8,includes six months of Google AI Pro.
On the wearables side, Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 9 can now be activated simply by raising your wrist, a hotword-less feature that matches the Pixel Watch 4. Looking ahead to a fall launch, Samsung and Google shared more details about their upcoming Android XR glasses. Both Gentle Monster and Warby Parker have revealed additional frame designs, expanding the range of options for users.
(Source: 9to5google.com)
