Google Took Center Stage At Samsung Unpacked Event

During its first Unpacked event of the year, Samsung extensively highlighted the AI features driven by Gemini that will be integrated into their smartphones. My excitement was short-lived, however, when I read a press release from Google.

Among the two main features Samsung showcased, one is already being implemented on Pixels, while the other will soon be accessible on iPhones, Android devices, and desktop browsers.

Google has recently revealed a variety of updates for its Gemini assistant, propelling it further into the realm of agentic AI. A notable improvement is the addition of extensions that operate on an “@” system (similar to the one in Workspace) within chats, enabling users to perform tasks in associated applications.

For example, if I instruct Gemini to “Say hi to Christina @WhatsApp,” it will send a message directly through the app. With Google services, users can bypass the extensions since the AI will intuitively select the correct services like Messages or Maps.

Furthermore, Gemini can now leverage multiple extensions simultaneously within a single query. For instance, requesting “find me the nearest kebab house and send it to Drew” will efficiently utilize both Maps and Messages.

This new multi-extension feature is currently being rolled out to Pixel 9 series smartphones. If you own a Samsung Galaxy S25 series device, Gemini will also access data from Samsung’s own services, including Calendar and Notes.

The conversational feature, Gemini Live, is also receiving a significant update. Previously limited to audio interactions, users can now incorporate images, YouTube videos, and local files into their conversations with Gemini Live. This enhancement was mainly restricted to text inputs or within the experimental NotebookLM tool.

This feature will be available on the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, and Google Pixel 9 series phones starting today.

In the near future, features such as screen sharing and live streaming will also be integrated into Gemini, marking a significant step towards Google’s ambitious Project Astra system on smartphones.

Another noteworthy upgrade is the introduction of Deep Research in the mobile version of Gemini. This feature offers one of the most practical experiences, transforming the internet search process by presenting information exclusively from chosen sources.

Users won’t have to worry about misinformation or the added burden of verification, assuming they trust the sources being referenced. However, it’s important to remember that a Gemini Advanced subscription is necessary to access this feature.