- Google’s Project Astra aims to be a “universal AI assistant” that understands context, devises plans, and acts on your behalf within Android.
- A demo showcased Astra assisting with a bike repair by navigating a manual, finding a YouTube tutorial, and potentially contacting a shop.
- This was powered by an AI agent that controls Android apps by simulating screen inputs, indicating an advanced but still developing capability.
Google’s Gemini chatbot has come a long way since its initial debut at the end of 2023. At first, the chatbot struggled with even basic tasks its predecessor was well equipped to handle, like setting a reminder. Today, it can not only chain actions across multiple services but also answer questions about what’s showing on your phone’s screen or through your phone’s camera. In the future, Gemini may even be able to control your Android phone for you, allowing it to search through your phone’s documents and open your apps to find the information you’re looking for.
During Google I/O 2025 earlier today, Google showed off its vision for a “universal AI assistant.” A universal AI assistant is not only intelligent but can understand the context you’re in, come up with a plan to solve your problems, and then take action on your behalf to save you time.