APK Insight

In the ramp up to I/O 2026, Google has been working on adding a more advanced agent capability to the Gemini app. It now looks like it will be branded as “Gemini Spark.”

With the launch of Gemini 3 last November, Google introduced “Gemini Agent” as an “experimental feature that handles multi-step tasks.” It’s due for a big upgrade, according to a new report and strings this week. 

Google is quietly preparing a new “AI Ultra Lite” subscription tier to slot between its $20 Pro and $250 Ultra plans, plus a dedicated dashboard for subscribers to see their remaining token budget.

Google’s goal with Gemini is to build a personal, proactive, and powerful assistant. The final tentpole is the underlying model, while Personal Intelligence became free earlier this year. The Gemini app is now readying “Proactive Assistance.”

Based on the latest Android Canary and Android 17 Beta releases, Google is working on a Pixel “laptop” of some sort that will feature a “Pixel Glow” hardware feature.

The dream of Google Now and Assistant Snapshot (pictured above) might be returning as Google works on Gemini “Your Day.”

Google is working on two location-based features for the Pixel At a Glance widget with “Passes nearby” and “Restaurant insights.”

Real-time Find Hub location sharing is coming to Google Messages for a more integrated experience on Android.

Now Playing is one of the Pixel’s oldest features and Google is getting ready to give it a big app “upgrade.” 

When the Android desktop interface leaked last month, there was a Gemini icon in the status bar. We now know a bit more about that persistent access.

It’s been clear for a while that Google is working to let Gemini control your Android phone, and we now have some details on how this “screen automation” will work.

Gemini Live today is still based on 2.5 Flash, but big upgrades are coming according to the latest beta version of the Google app.

Currently, tapping on a Smart Reply in Google Messages immediately sends the suggestion, but the latest beta reveals an upcoming “Tap to Edit” preference that will make for a nice quality-of-life improvement.

At the moment, Gemini’s “Computer Use” efforts are focused on desktop web as seen by the Gemini Agent available for AI Ultra subscribers. Availability on Android seems inevitable, with 16 QPR3 Beta 2 preparing for that with a new “Screen automation” permission.

Just like other modern devices, the Pixelsnap Charger will see firmware updates, with the latest version of Pixel Stand revealing some details.

At this point, Google Voice is primarily an enterprise service, with the vast majority of new features for paid customers. Google Voice is now working on a “Gemini Notes” capability.

The Google Phone app is working on an “Expressive Calling” feature that lets you tell the person on the other end why you’re reaching out to them, including if it’s urgent.

Google wants to use the Pixel Watch to identify signs of high blood pressure, and is readying a Fitbit Hypertension Study.

As part of Gemini for Home, there will be a redesign of the Google Home app and here’s a quick look at it.

Besides “Google Home Speaker,” there are more details about the “Home Premium” subscription that is replacing Nest Aware.

On October 1, Google is set to reveal updated 2K Nest Cams and a smart speaker. We might now know what the latter will be called: “Google Home Speaker.”