Gemini Will Soon Take Control of Your Phone Screen to Place Orders, Book Rides

Google is preparing to let Gemini take control of Android apps and perform tasks like placing orders and booking rides. 9to5Google's APK teardown of the Google app version 17.4 beta reveals a new capability called "screen automation," which is internally named "bonobo."

The code strings describe bonobo as such: "Gemini can help with tasks, like placing orders or booking rides, using screen automation on certain apps on your device." Instead of simply answering questions or showing you the steps to do a particular task, it seems Gemini will act as an on-screen agent, selecting options, confirming actions, completing steps, and finalizing within supported apps like ride-hailing and food delivery services.

The code also includes several Google warnings, one of which, as always, states that "Gemini can make mistakes." Users are also considered responsible for everything the AI does on their behalf. The company advises users to closely supervise ...