Android is officially rolling out one of its most significant AI upgrades yet, launching alongside the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Google Pixel 10 series. The update brings deeper intelligence to visual search, introduces hands-free task automation through Gemini, and strengthens fraud protection – all designed to make Android devices more proactive, helpful, and secure.
This marks a clear shift in Android’s strategy: AI is no longer just supportive – it’s becoming operational.
Circle To Search is becoming more complex and powerful
Since its launch, Circle to Search has allowed users to circle or doodle over objects on their screen to instantly learn more. With today’s launch, the feature goes beyond identifying individual objects and now understands entire scenes.
Users can circle multiple items in an image and get comprehensive results in a unified search. For example, if you spot a vivid underwater photo on a travel blog, you can now identify every fish species at once – along with context, science and related resources.
The upgrade is particularly effective in fashion. See an outfit on social media? Circle the entire look. Circle to Search now breaks down clothing, accessories and shoes all at once and delivers visually similar results to recreate the style. Instead of performing a separate search for each item, all items are displayed together.
On the Galaxy S26 series and Pixel 10 devices, users can even tap Try On to see a virtual preview of clothing based on their body type. The integration turns visual inspiration into immediate action.
Behind the scenes, this upgrade leverages advanced reasoning and visual query techniques powered by Gemini 3. The system identifies key parts of an image, performs multiple searches simultaneously, cross-references information, and assembles a coherent answer.
Gemini now handles multi-step tasks in the background
The second major launch feature introduces Gemini’s automation of background tasks. Available in beta for select Galaxy S26 series and Pixel 10 models in the US and Korea. Users can now outsource multi-step tasks directly to Gemini.
Do you need to order a ride? Do you re-order your usual meal? Build a shopping cart? Long press the power button, ask Gemini, and the task will run in a secure virtual window of the required app – all while you continue to use your phone normally.
Google emphasizes three pillars behind this rollout:
- Control: Tasks only begin with your command and end as soon as they are completed.
- Transparency: Live notifications let you monitor progress or pause.
- Access: Gemini only interacts with the required app, not your entire device.
At launch, the feature will support select grocery, grocery and ride-sharing apps, with broader expansion expected over time.
Fraud protection gets smarter with Gemini AI on device
Security also receives a sensible upgrade. Improved fraud detection, based on the Gemini model on the device, is now built directly into the Samsung Phone app on Galaxy S26 devices in the US for English-speaking users.
The system analyzes conversation patterns in real time and identifies warning signs such as urgent payment requests, identity theft attempts or coercive language. If detected, Android will immediately issue a warning before a user can fall victim.
Google Messages is also getting improved fraud detection for text messages, strengthening protection against phishing links, fake delivery notifications, and fraudulent account messages.
Because recognition is entirely on-device, audio and message content remains private. No call recordings or messages are sent to the cloud – ensuring immediate response and maintaining user privacy.
A clear direction for the future of Android
With this launch, Android positions the Galaxy S26 series and Pixel 10 devices at the forefront of AI-driven mobile experiences. Visual search is becoming more extensive. Shopping is becoming immersive. Daily tasks are automated. And fraud protection is becoming more proactive.
Instead of adding AI as a feature, Android integrates it deeply into how the platform works, making devices more powerful without making them more complicated.
