Google’s Gemini AI is set to receive a major upgrade through the App Functions API, enabling tasks to be performed within apps without opening them. According to The Verge, this feature, discovered in the Android 16 developer code, could roll out to users as early as next year.
The App Functions API allows Gemini to interact directly with apps, performing specific tasks. As described on Google’s developer site, app functions represent “specific functionality that an app provides to the system, which can also be integrated into various system functions.” While the description may seem broad, Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority clarifies this with an example: developers could allow actions like ordering food through the API, enabling Gemini to place orders without launching the app itself.
Comparing Gemini and Siri Features
Interestingly, Apple is also working on similar advancements. In iOS 18, Siri will gain the ability to perform tasks within apps using an updated app intents framework. For instance, Siri could facilitate ordering from a store, provided the app developer supports this feature. However, Apple’s rollout is expected later, likely in the spring of 2025.
Both companies aim to fulfill the original promise of smart assistants: executing user commands seamlessly. Currently, Gemini is primarily limited to searching information in apps like Gmail and Google Maps. Meanwhile, Siri, enhanced with ChatGPT integration, can handle complex queries but still struggles with performing actions effectively, notes NIX Solutions.
A Step Toward Smarter Assistants
These developments suggest that both Google and Apple are paving the way for smarter assistants capable of handling intricate tasks within apps. While Google’s Gemini may see earlier implementation, Apple’s Siri is also catching up. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available, ensuring you don’t miss these transformative updates in AI assistants.