Google has announced a range of features coming to Android phones this year, including a new Gemini Intelligence AI system and a tool to help users avoid distracting apps.

Revealed in a livestreamed “Android Show” event, the free upgrades are scheduled to arrive in waves over the next year for high-end new and old phones alike, including Samsung and Pixel devices. Google also revealed that a new lineup of laptops will arrive in the autumn.

Gemini Intelligence

Gemini Intelligence will combine the company’s top AI tools into one system aimed at being more proactively useful.

It will be able to automate tasks by directly interacting with the apps already on a phone. This could include selecting and ordering a takeaway, turning a grocery list into a shopping basket ready for delivery, or finding a class book list in an email and ordering the right texts. Gemini will queue up the orders before handing them over to the user for final confirmation.

From late June, Chrome auto browse will bring similar automated powers to websites, including for booking tickets or finding parking spots. Autofill is also being upgraded to fill in more complex forms by automatically pulling information from apps and services. Generative user interfaces will be able to make home screen widgets through simple instructions, such as asking for lists of local toddler-friendly events or weather conditions for cycling routes.

Google’s dictation system in Gboard is also having an AI upgrade called Rambler, which edits speech into concise sentences, removing redundant or repeated words, umms, errs and other errors, while being able to switch between languages mid-speech.

More Android upgrades

Pause Point is a new tool to help users avoid apps they have flagged as distracting. Tapping on an offending app will prompt a pop-up suggesting breathing exercises, favourite photos or more productive apps instead. App timers can be set to limit doom scrolling.

Google’s Quick Share compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop will expand from Pixel devices to a range of phones from Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor. Quick Share will also be able to share photos or other files with Apple devices using QR codes and the cloud, or using pre-existing apps, such as WhatsApp.

Instagram on Android is getting on-device editing tools including a one-tap smart enhancement tool for photos and video, plus a sound separation tool to remove unwanted background noise. Instagram will also support ultra HDR capture and playback, video stabilisation and night-sight integration.

In another development, Screen Reactions will record a clip of a user and their screen simultaneously, to instantly create reaction videos that are popular on social media.

Finally, Google has redesigned all 4,000 emojis to make them 3D on its various Pixel devices and services.

Android Auto redesigned

Google’s in-car system, Android Auto, is having a makeover to deliver smooth animations and bolder fonts, colours and wallpapers.

It will also allow widgets and shortcuts to be added to the car’s display and integrate Gemini Intelligence features from compatible phones. Video playback on the car’s screen will be allowed when parked and this switches to audio-only when the car is moving.

The biggest upgrade is to Google Maps. A new immersive navigation look creates a 3D view of buildings, bridges and terrain, and important details will be overlayed on routes, such as lane guidance, traffic lights and road signs.

New Googlebook laptops in the autumn

Google is relaunching its laptop ambitions with a new category of devices called Googlebooks. Teased as a replacement for Chromebooks, they will feature the Chrome browser, Android apps and Gemini Intelligence features and be produced by manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo.

The machines will come in various sizes all with Google’s “glowbar” on the lid, similar to the original Chromebook Pixel from 2015. They will offer seamless connectivity with Android devices.

Gemini will bring proactive AI including a “magic pointer” that turns the traditional mouse cursor into an AI pointer that offers contextually aware help and tools.

Models, prices and more information on the Googlebooks will be available in the autumn.