Gemini Poised to Control Android Apps, Streamlining Tasks

Mountain View, CA – Google is significantly expanding the capabilities of its artificial intelligence assistant, Gemini, with a new feature that will allow it to directly control other applications on Android devices. This development, anticipated for some time and previously hinted at as Project Astra at Google I/O 2025, marks a substantial step towards a more autonomous AI experience on mobile.

Recent insights, derived from a teardown of the latest Google app beta (version 17.4), reveal the workings of a feature codenamed "bonobo." This initiative aims to "Get tasks done with Gemini," and is expected to initially launch as a 'Labs' feature. Early demonstrations suggest that Gemini will be able to perform actions such as booking rides and placing orders through sophisticated screen automation, effectively acting as a digital agent on behalf of the user.

Sources at Android Police report that this functionality could empower users to request Gemini to, for instance, "book an Uber to my office" or "order dinner from Uber Eats" without the need to manually open these applications. This level of integration represents a significant leap from Gemini's current capabilities, which have already focused on making complex tasks more efficient, such as the recently rolled-out AI-powered Auto Browse feature in Chrome for premium users.

The implementation of such a powerful feature on Android is not without its challenges. Given the dynamic nature of application user interfaces (UIs), Google is reportedly planning to initially limit Gemini's screen automation capabilities to a select group of applications. This cautious approach aims to ensure reliability and a smooth user experience as the technology matures. Hindustan Times also highlights this potential for seamless task completion, noting that users may soon be able to initiate these actions without physically touching their phones.

This move aligns with Google's broader strategy to embed AI more deeply into its ecosystem. January 2026 was reportedly a significant month for Gemini updates, with a focus on enhancing its personal intelligence and integrating it further into various services, as noted by Android Central. The introduction of agentic capabilities, where Gemini can take actions on users' behalf, is a core component of this vision.

While the technical details of how Gemini will interpret and interact with different app UIs are complex, the potential benefits for users are considerable. Imagine a scenario where a user can simply tell Gemini to "buy movie tickets for tonight's 7 PM showing at the downtown cinema," and Gemini navigates the relevant ticketing app, selects the seats, and completes the purchase. This would represent a paradigm shift in how users interact with their smartphones, moving from direct command execution to delegated task management.

The development also touches upon the evolving landscape of AI assistants. Features that allow AI to proactively assist and act are becoming increasingly important. While Android Headlines has reported on UI enhancements for Gemini Live, such as a floating pill for better multitasking, the core functionality of app control represents a more profound evolution in its intelligence and utility.

While the exact rollout timeline remains unconfirmed, the groundwork being laid suggests that this advanced Gemini functionality could become a reality for Android users in the near future. The ability for Gemini to understand context, interpret user intent, and then execute multi-step actions within third-party applications will undoubtedly redefine the user experience on the Android platform, making the smartphone a more intuitive and efficient personal assistant.