Gemini Intelligence wants to turn your Android into more than just a smartphone

The new version of Gemini will be integrated into Android 17 and aims to become a permanent assistant across users’ everyday tasks.

On Tuesday, May 12, Google officially introduced Gemini Intelligence, a new artificial intelligence layer that will begin rolling out across Android 17 and other Android ecosystem devices. The announcement was one of the biggest reveals during The Android Show 2026 and makes Google’s strategy clear: transform Android from a traditional operating system into a platform capable of understanding tasks and carrying them out automatically.

The idea goes far beyond a conversational assistant. According to Google, Gemini Intelligence will allow phones to complete complex actions across apps, anticipate certain user needs, and automate everyday processes using natural language.

During demonstrations at the event, Gemini was shown creating custom widgets, completing online purchases, retrieving information from old emails, and executing tasks directly inside Chrome for Android.

Android 17 brings AI into the core of the system

Google also introduced several Android 17 features powered by Gemini Intelligence. One of the most notable additions is deep AI integration across the operating system, allowing devices to understand context and execute more complex actions across multiple apps.

During the presentation, the company demonstrated tools capable of turning messy instructions into structured text, along with automation features aimed at productivity, web browsing, and organizing everyday tasks.

Another major update is Gemini’s expansion across more Android platforms, including cars, browsers, and future XR (extended reality) devices. Google also previewed new experiences tied to Android XR and upcoming Googlebook computers, reinforcing its efforts to compete in a market increasingly centered around artificial intelligence.

Rambler: the feature that understands how people actually speak

Google also introduced Rambler, a feature built into Gemini Intelligence designed to understand more natural conversations, even when users rely on filler words, pauses, or poorly structured sentences.

With Rambler, AI can understand expressions like “uh,” “um,” or incomplete thoughts without losing the original meaning of the message. The goal is to make users feel less pressure to speak “perfectly” for Gemini to understand what they want.

A new chapter in the competition between Google and Apple

The move toward the name “Gemini Intelligence” also appears intentional. It strongly suggests Google wants to position its AI as the core of the Android experience, in a strategy that closely resembles Apple Intelligence.

At the same time, Google announced new AI-powered security features, including scam call detection, OTP code protection, and advanced biometric locks for stolen devices.

That said, not everything is rivalry between the two companies. Android 17 also expands a compatibility feature introduced with the recent iOS 26.3 update: the ability to transfer data, including eSIMs, from iPhone to Android.

Google’s goal is clear: move beyond smartphones as simple app-launching platforms and turn them into assistants capable of completing entire tasks on behalf of users.

When will the new features arrive?

Google confirmed that several Gemini Intelligence features will begin rolling out over the coming months, initially on compatible Android devices, especially Pixel phones. Some tools will launch first on Chrome for Android before expanding across the wider ecosystem.

The presentation also made it clear that artificial intelligence will be the central focus of Google I/O 2026, where more announcements related to Gemini, Android XR, and intelligent device automation are expected.