Google has recently unveiled the first developer preview of Android 16, revealing a host of intriguing features that promise to enhance user experience. Among these innovations is a notable addition dubbed “app functions,” designed to empower Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, to execute actions on behalf of users within various applications. This functionality aims to streamline interactions, eliminating the need for cumbersome extensions.
Unveiling Gemini’s Capabilities
The potential of Gemini within Android 16 is becoming clearer as developers delve into the code. An APK teardown has provided insights into forthcoming features, although it is essential to note that not all predicted functionalities may make it to the final public release. Previous reports highlighted strings of code in the beta version of the Google app, suggesting that Gemini could soon facilitate reminders through the Samsung Reminders app. However, this capability may extend to other services as well.
As exploration continues, a comprehensive list of app functions is emerging, showcasing Gemini’s prospective abilities. With the right app extensions activated, Gemini could manage tasks such as:
- Creating alarms in Samsung Clock
- Deleting notes in Samsung Notes
- Updating tasks in Samsung Reminders
These features leverage the advancements introduced with Android 16, indicating that a simple platform update might suffice to unlock Gemini’s full potential.
Functionality Breakdown
While the complete range of functions Gemini will support upon Android 16’s launch is still being pieced together, initial findings from the Samsung Reminder app suggest a categorization of tasks. The following categories and their respective functions have been identified:
Browser
- Bookmark (Create, Find Bookmarks, Find Tabs, Get Histories, Show Site)
- Tab (Update Bookmark)
Calendar
- Create Event
- Event (Find Events, Update Event)
Camera
- Scan Document
- Take Photo
Clock
- Alarm (Create Alarm, Create Timer)
- Day Pattern (Find Alarms, Find Timers, Update Alarm, Update Timer)
- Account (Create Email Draft)
- Email (Find Accounts, Find Emails, Send Email, Update Email)
Files
- File (Find Files)
Maps
- Directions Result
- Find (Directions, Places)
Messages
- Find Messages
- Forward Message
- Message (Reply Message, Send Message)
Music
- Create Personal Playlist
- Find Music Items
Nearby Sharing
- Find Nearby Devices
- Share Files to Nearby Device
Notes
- Folder (Create, Find)
- Note (Create, Find)
Phone
- Accept Call
- Make Call
Photos
- Album (Create Album, Find Albums)
Tasks
- Create (Task Category, Task)
- Find (Task Categories, Tasks)
While many of these functions appear straightforward, the purpose of the “Types” category remains somewhat ambiguous. It may be intended for customizable functions tailored to specific app requirements, but further clarification will emerge as development progresses.
At this stage, none of these functions are live, and it remains uncertain whether Gemini will ultimately support additional capabilities beyond those currently identified. As the Android 16 rollout continues, further discoveries are anticipated.
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