Following the Gemini automation announcement today, Google is detailing how all this works under the hood on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle details MCP-like ‘AppFunctions’ that let Gemini use Android apps
Author
Send tips/talk to abner@9to5mac.com or @technacity (open DMs).
Abner Li has worked at 9to5Google since 2015 and in late 2020 took on the role of editor-in-chief. He is keenly focused on tracking what happens at Google, and is often the first to spot new features in Google’s ever-growing family of applications that are updated on a daily basis, including Search, Assistant, Maps, Workspace, Android, Chrome/OS, Wear OS, and YouTube Music.
To him, what Google does greatly impacts the technology space and modern life. Inside the company, he is particularly interested in the key products mentioned above, as well as services like Google Podcasts and Google Lens. Each are massive platforms that can be unwieldy to grasp, with Abner keenly bent on understanding their philosophy and future direction. He is most excited about Google’s plans for augmented reality glasses.
Abner spearheads the APK Insight program at 9to5Google to chronicle all changes in the company’s Android apps, often finding new features before they are officially announced. This includes redesigns and revamps, launches, and new products.
A big area of interest is Google’s hardware division, including Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. He detailed all of the Pixel 3’s camera features before launch and scooped the 2nd-generation Nest Hub’s Soli-powered Sleep Sensing capability, including how it would integrate with Google Fit.
Recently, Abner detailed the Pixel Watch’s specs in full before launch, including bands and pricing. He also got wind of the Pixel Tablet’s ultimate form factor.
Google releases ‘Gemini Enterprise’ mobile app, adds @Google Chat for Workspace
Last October, Google announced Gemini Enterprise for business users, and the mobile apps are now available. Meanwhile, @Google Chat is now available in the Gemini app for Workspace users.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle teases ‘amazing things’ in Android 17
Google’s Sameer Samat took the stage at Galaxy Unpacked today and teased “amazing things” coming to Android 17.
Expand Expanding CloseScam Detection comes to Samsung’s S26 Phone app as Google Messages gets Gemini boost
At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, Google announced Scam Detection updates for calls and its Messages app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle upgrades Circle to Search with Gemini 3 for multi-search, bottom chat UI
Besides Gemini automation, Google today announced the latest Circle to Search features for the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini automation on Pixel 10, S26 can book rides and place orders
At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked, Google announced agentic automation capabilities for the Gemini app on the Galaxy S26, as well as the Pixel 10.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages Details page brings back edit history
After losing with the broader Material 3 Expressive redesign, the Google Messages Details page has regained edit history.
Expand Expanding CloseWaymo: Where it’s available, upcoming cities, and new features [Feb 2026]
Waymo autonomous vehicles date back to Google’s self-driving car project that started in 2009. As of today, you can get a ride in 10 cities across the US.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages more widely rolling out circular read receipts redesign
In August of 2024, Google Messages started testing a circular redesign of read receipts. This has been slowly rolling out since then, and there now looks to be wide availability for beta users.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Premium Lite adds background play and downloads
Just under a year after expanding to the US, YouTube Premium Lite is adding background playback and offline downloads for “most videos.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle touts ‘Pixel Colors Through the Years’ – here’s a look back [Gallery]
With the Pixel 10a unveil last week, it’s officially a wrap on the Pixel 10 series. Before the next cycle begins, Google posted a fun “Pixel Colors Through the Years” infographic today.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s February 2026 Google System Updates [U]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages preps Find Hub location sharing integration
Real-time Find Hub location sharing is coming to Google Messages for a more integrated experience on Android.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini app adds video templates to quick start generation
Following music generation last week, the Gemini app is upgrading video generation with templates.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle, Apple start testing encrypted RCS on Android and iOS 26.4
Google and Apple today announced that testing of encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone is now underway.
Expand Expanding CloseApple Music 5.2 for Android beta adds iOS 26.4’s Playlist Playground, album redesign
Following the first iOS 26.4 preview, Apple Music 5.2 entered beta earlier this week with three new features.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle brings full AI Mode prompt box to Chrome address bar
Following last month’s big Gemini in Chrome update, AI Mode in Google’s desktop browser is getting its own upgrade in the address bar.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat Gemini features you get with Google AI Plus, Pro, & Ultra [February 2026]
At I/O 2025, Google One AI Premium (and Gemini Advanced) became “Google AI Pro,” while a higher, more expensive tier was introduced with “Google AI Ultra.”
Expand Expanding CloseThe Google Weather Android ‘app’ is going away
Google is getting rid of Android’s de facto Weather app in favor of Search results. This deprecation slowly started a few months ago, but is now picking up steam.
Expand Expanding CloseNotebookLM rolls out prompt-based slide revisions, Gemini 3.1 Pro, more
NotebookLM has received a slew of updates in the past few days, headlined by Gemini 3.1 Pro and slide customizations.
Expand Expanding CloseCall Recording in Pixel Phone app expands internationally
In November, Call Recording for the Pixel Phone app began rolling out broadly, and it’s now getting international availability.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Chrome adds Split View and PDF annotation with Drive upload
Google is officially announcing a trio of new desktop Chrome productivity features today: Split View, PDF annotation, and Save to Google Drive.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces Gemini 3.1 Pro for ‘complex problem-solving’
In November, Google introduced Gemini 3 Pro in preview, with Gemini 3 Flash following a month later. Google today announced Gemini 3.1 Pro “for tasks where a simple answer isn’t enough.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle launches Snapseed camera for iPhone with pro manual controls, retro film
After soft-launching in December, Snapseed for iOS is now officially rolling out its new camera that makes the app more than just an image editor.
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