Google debuts Gemini Intelligence automation features, Googlebook laptop series

Overview

Google introduced a set of Android features called Gemini Intelligence and previewed a new laptop category named Googlebooks during a virtual event called The Android Show. The Android features add automation that completes multi-step tasks from natural language, plus new mobile security tools. Googlebooks are premium laptops, built by HP, Dell and Lenovo, that run an operating system combining elements of ChromeOS and Android.

Key Takeaways

Gemini Intelligence performs multi-step tasks in Android apps from plain-language instructions, such as booking a trip from a photo of a travel brochure.
Some features work in mobile Chrome to speed up research like comparing e-commerce listings, and an upgraded autofill can fill forms using data in Google services such as Gmail.
An updated Gboard keyboard adds Rambler, which removes redundant words from speech-to-text, and Create My Widget generates simple apps from natural language.
Gemini Intelligence rolls out to Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy handsets this summer, expanding to other Android devices including wearables by year's end.
Googlebooks are premium laptops with a glowbar LED on the lid, built by HP, Dell and Lenovo, running an OS that blends ChromeOS and Android.

Stats & Key Facts

#Gemini Intelligence reaches Pixel and Samsung Galaxy handsets this summer
#Broader Android device availability, including wearables, planned by year's end

Google debuts Gemini Intelligence automation features, Googlebook laptop series

What Gemini Intelligence does

The feature set centers on completing tasks rather than answering questions.

›Performs multi-step tasks in Android apps from natural language instructions.
›Example given: photograph a travel brochure and ask the software to book the described trip.
›Another example: instruct it to reserve a parking spot near a performance venue.

Google positions Gemini Intelligence as automation that acts on a user's behalf inside apps. The company described it as able to take a request stated in everyday language and carry out the steps needed to complete it.

Chrome and autofill upgrades

›Some features work in the mobile version of Chrome.
›The software speeds up online research such as comparing e-commerce listings.
›An upgraded autofill can fill forms using information kept in Google services such as Gmail.

Connecting Gemini to Autofill with Google is strictly opt-in. According to Mindy Brooks, vice president of product management at Google, users choose if and when to connect and can turn the connection on or off in settings.

Gboard and widget tools

›Gboard adds Rambler, which removes redundant words from speech-to-text transcripts.
›Rambler is based on a multilingual Gemini model that lets users switch languages while dictating.
›Create My Widget generates simple apps, such as a visualization of the next day's weather forecast.

Widgets can incorporate data from the public web and from a user's Google account, according to the company.

Mobile security additions

›New tools protect users from malicious apps.
›Protections cover device theft.
›Protections cover attempts to compromise bank accounts.

Alongside the new features, Google introduced mobile security capabilities designed to protect users from malicious apps, device theft and attempts to compromise their bank accounts.

Rollout timeline

›Launches on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy handsets this summer.
›Expands to other Android devices, including wearables, by year's end.

Googlebooks laptops

Google previewed a new laptop category that runs a combined operating system.

›Made by HP, Dell and Lenovo, described as premium devices.
›Each carries a rectangular LED on the lid called a glowbar.
›The OS combines elements of ChromeOS and Android.

The main selling point is the onboard software. A feature called Magic Pointer brings up Gemini when a user wiggles the cursor over content; one example is selecting two ad designs in a Dropbox folder and asking Gemini to combine them. Googlebooks also include a laptop version of Create My Widget and the ability to launch Android apps.

Alex Kuscher, Google's senior director of laptops and tablets, said a Quick Access feature lets users view, search or insert their phone's files from the laptop's file browser with no transfers needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gemini Intelligence?

It is a set of Android features that perform multi-step tasks in apps from natural language instructions, such as booking a trip from a photo of a brochure.

When does Gemini Intelligence become available?

It rolls out to Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy handsets this summer and expands to other Android devices, including wearables, by year's end.

What is a Googlebook?

Googlebook is a new category of premium laptops, made by HP, Dell and Lenovo, that run an operating system combining elements of ChromeOS and Android.

Is connecting Gemini to Autofill required?

No. Google says the connection is strictly opt-in, and users can turn it on or off in their settings.

What is Rambler?

Rambler is a Gboard feature that automatically removes redundant words from speech-to-text transcripts and is based on a multilingual Gemini model.

The announcements extend Gemini-based automation across Android phones and into a new premium laptop line.