Google launched the primary Android 16 developer preview earlier this week and keen-eyed observers are already uncovering fascinating tidbits, together with one which hints about a way more helpful future for Google’s AI assistant. In Android Authority, Mishaal Rahman writes about a mysterious new API in Android 16 known as “app capabilities,” which seems to present Gemini Assistant agentic-like talents to take motion in apps. It sounds awfully much like the upgraded “app intents” Apple helps in iOS 18, and it’s precisely the sort of factor that might make AI assistants far more helpful than they’re of their present state.
A web page on Google’s developer web site describes an app perform as “a particular piece of performance that an app provides to the system. These functionalities will be built-in into varied system options.” Actually clears issues up. However Rahman factors to a particular instance buried within the documentation that sheds some extra gentle. It particulars how an app developer might use app capabilities to show sure actions to the system — on this case, ordering meals. With this perform accessible to Gemini, you would possibly be capable to place an order together with your neighborhood Thai restaurant with out having to open the DoorDash app. Kinda neat.
Apple’s engaged on an identical strategy to a better assistant. Considered one of its guarantees for the smarter Siri we’ll supposedly get in iOS 18 is that will probably be in a position to take motion in apps for you. By updating its app intents framework, Apple has created a means for builders to show “order meals”-type capabilities to Siri. Based on rumors, we in all probability gained’t see that replace till spring of 2025, although.
“Doing issues for you” was sort of the entire promise of sensible assistants from the start, however that hasn’t began materializing till very not too long ago. Gemini can entry info in sure apps together with your permission, however at present it’s principally restricted to looking out issues like Gmail and Google Maps. And Siri’s greatest replace in iOS 18 thus far added a ChatGPT extension so you possibly can ask extra sophisticated questions, nevertheless it nonetheless falls quick on “taking motion.” Now, each platforms look like laying the groundwork for higher assistants — and 2025 may very well be a really fascinating 12 months for AI on smartphones.
