Google Unveils Gemini AI Expansions, New Googlebooks Laptops and Android 17 Features

Gemini Intelligence will queue up 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 booking tickets or finding parking spots. Autofill is 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 natural language instructions, with the “Create My Widget” feature letting users describe what they want.

Create My Widget will first launch on the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer. Google is also introducing Gemini in Chrome on Android, allowing users to summarize content or ask questions about web pages. Gboard’s dictation system is receiving an AI upgrade called Rambler that edits speech into concise sentences, removing redundant or repeated words, umms, errs and other errors while switching between languages mid-speech.

Pause Point is a new tool to help users avoid apps they have flagged as distracting. It prompts a pop-up suggesting breathing exercises, favourite photos or more productive apps when tapping a flagged app. App timers can be set with Pause Point to limit doom scrolling.

Google’s Quick Share compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop will expand from Pixel devices to phones from Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor. Quick Share will 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, a sound separation tool to remove unwanted background noise, ultra HDR capture and playback, video stabilisation and night-sight integration.

Screen Reactions will record a clip of a user and their screen simultaneously and is first rolling out on Pixel devices this summer. Google has redesigned all 4,000 emojis to make them 3D. The new 3D emojis are launching later this year on Pixel devices and services.

Android Auto is receiving a redesign with smooth animations, bolder fonts, colours and wallpapers. It will allow widgets and shortcuts to be added to the car’s display and integrate Gemini Intelligence features from compatible phones. Video playback on Android Auto will be allowed when the car is parked and switches to audio-only when moving.

Video playback in 60 fps full HD begins later this year with BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata and Volvo. Google Maps in Android Auto is receiving an immersive navigation look that creates a 3D view of buildings, bridges and terrain and will overlay lane guidance, traffic lights and road signs on routes. Gemini is rolling out broadly on Android Auto.

Users will be able to place food orders from Android Auto beginning with DoorDash. Google announced a new line of laptops called Googlebooks that will arrive in the autumn of 2026. Googlebooks are designed to succeed Chromebooks and will be produced by Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo.

They will feature the Chrome browser, Android apps and Gemini Intelligence features, come in various sizes all with Google’s “glowbar” on the lid, and offer seamless connectivity with Android devices. Googlebooks will include a “magic pointer” that turns the traditional mouse cursor into an AI pointer. Models, prices and more information on the Googlebooks will be available in the autumn.

Google is planning to introduce a new iOS-to-Android transfer tool that imports passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, eSIM and home screen layout. The iOS-to-Android transfer tool will launch on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices this year. Google is expanding its default-on theft protections to all Android users globally.

Theft protections will be enabled by default on all new Android 17 devices as well as freshly reset devices or those upgraded to the latest OS. K. Pixel users with up-to-date software and Advanced Protection Mode switched on now get Intrusion Logging.