At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, Google and Samsung unveiled a significant expansion of Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, marking a clear shift toward agentic AI. Gemini’s task automation feature, which began as a beta in February covering just six apps, now extends to more than 40 apps across shopping, restaurant reservations, travel booking, and event tickets. The feature is pre-installed on Samsung’s new foldables—Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8, and Flip 8—alongside Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) and a six-month Google AI Pro trial.
What Happened: Gemini’s Leap and Samsung’s Foldable Evolution
Google’s Gemini task automation now allows users to offload complex multi-step tasks to the AI, which runs them in the background. Users can track progress, intervene to correct, or ask Gemini to find similar items and reorder. On the Galaxy Z Flip 8, a long press on the outer Flex Window starts a task, and Gemini can read the screen or use a photo as a prompt. The new foldables also ship with Gemini Notebook, which consolidates web pages, videos, and notes into a single workspace, enabling users to generate slide decks, podcasts, or quizzes. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 9 introduces a hands-free trigger: raising the wrist wakes Gemini without a spoken command, matching the Pixel Watch 4. Google and Samsung also showed two new Android XR glasses frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, ahead of a fall launch.
Why It Matters: The Paradigm Shift to Agentic AI
This announcement signals a fundamental shift from AI as an information provider to AI as an agent that acts on the user’s behalf. Previously, AI assistants could answer questions or manage schedules, but Gemini’s task automation handles end-to-end processes like booking travel or ordering takeout across dozens of apps. The foldable form factor is particularly suited for this: the large inner display allows users to monitor and intervene in AI tasks seamlessly. Rick Osterloh, Google’s devices chief, framed Gemini Notebook as a way to connect dots across sources, turning them into various formats. This expands AI’s role in productivity and daily life, potentially reshaping how users interact with their devices.
Our Interpretation: A New Phase in Ecosystem Competition
XPLAIN AI interprets this collaboration as a strategic win-win. For Google, embedding Gemini into Samsung’s best-selling Android devices accelerates its AI ecosystem expansion, directly challenging Apple’s Siri. For Samsung, adopting Google’s advanced AI—rather than relying solely on its own Bixby—strengthens its premium smartphone differentiation. The hands-free trigger on the Galaxy Watch 9 shows Google’s intent to extend AI across the Android ecosystem, including wearables and XR glasses. However, the competitive landscape could shift dramatically depending on Apple’s AI features in the upcoming iPhone this fall. Privacy and user trust remain key risks, as agentic AI requires access to sensitive data across apps.
Beneficiaries and Risks
- Potential Beneficiaries: Google (Alphabet) stands to gain from a wider AI footprint and potential subscription revenue from AI Pro trials. Samsung could see increased foldable sales due to unique AI capabilities. Etsy and Expedia may benefit from increased transaction volume through Gemini.
- Risks: Apple faces pressure if its AI offerings lag behind. Privacy concerns could lead to user backlash or regulatory scrutiny. If competitors like Amazon or Microsoft accelerate their own agentic AI, Google’s first-mover advantage may erode.
Counter-Scenario and Uncertainty
While the expansion is impressive, it remains to be seen whether users will trust AI to handle sensitive tasks like travel booking or payments. Apple’s response—potentially integrating advanced AI into iOS 19—could level the playing field. Regulatory actions on AI data usage, especially in Europe, might also slow adoption. The success of Gemini on foldables depends on seamless performance; any glitches could undermine confidence. XPLAIN AI notes that the actual impact will hinge on user adoption rates and the quality of AI task completion, which are not yet proven at scale.
#Google #Gemini #Samsung #GalaxyUnpacked #AgenticAI #FoldablePhones #AIEcosystem #TaskAutomation
Sources
- Google Expands Gemini To 40 Apps As Samsung Fold 8 Goes Agentic — Yellow.com – EN · News coverage · Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:20:11 GMT
Written by: XPLAIN AI Editorial Team · Reviewed by: XPLAIN AI Editorial Desk
This content was drafted with AI assistance based on publicly available sources and reviewed under XPLAIN AI's editorial standards.