Unpacking Samsung's Gemini Intelligence: A Practical Review

With the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung has ushered in the debut of Gemini Intelligence, a new AI feature designed to streamline tasks. While I had a chance to test its capabilities, I found myself questioning its practical applications for everyday users.

Previously introduced during the Android Show, Gemini Intelligence had been somewhat of a mystery until its arrival on Samsung's latest foldables and smartwatches. The collaboration with Samsung seems strategic, allowing Google to enhance the user experience on fresh hardware. However, my initial attempts at utilizing the feature left me puzzled about its true value.

Hands-On Experience with Gemini Intelligence

During my experience, I noticed that accessing Gemini Intelligence was similar to standard Gemini. Activating it required either a long press of the power button or using a voice command. Once activated, I asked Gemini to book a flight, specifically from London Heathrow to Dublin for a future date, and surprisingly, it worked.

The execution was straightforward at first, but the system required very precise commands. If I simply asked for a flight booking, Gemini provided a list of prices and flight details but didn't initiate any booking without specific date criteria. Although the AI performed well when prompted correctly, it still felt limited, especially considering its beta status.

Expanding on App Automation

Gemini Intelligence appears to be a significant expansion of the previous App Automation feature introduced alongside the Galaxy S26. This earlier capability was restricted to a handful of apps, primarily for food orders. In contrast, Gemini now claims compatibility with over 40 applications, enhancing its contextual and intelligent command recognition. However, this was a mixed bag in practice, as I often had to specify what I wanted multiple times for the system to recognize my intent.

Interestingly, the automation process removes the need for confirmation during task execution, which could be risky for critical operations like booking flights. While you can monitor the task progress, it lacks the finesse a human touch would provide, as I wasn’t able to input preferences such as flight times or specific airlines.

User Interface Insights

Visually, the pop-ups generated by Gemini didn’t match the sleekness anticipated from a tech company like Samsung. They resembled standard notifications, further diluting the user experience. One noticeable feature was a colorful glow around notifications, but that hardly compensated for the lack of deeper integration into the One UI design.

Google markets this feature as a form of automation running in the background, but it seems to take its sweet time completing tasks. At points, I found myself wishing for the manual control, as many simple tasks could be executed faster without waiting on Gemini to kick in.

Assessing Time Efficiency

Having only scratched the surface of what Gemini Intelligence can do, I tested various tasks, from searching for information to directing apps without much success. The service aims to cater to busy users, but its practical value for everyday applications remains in question. It struggles when it comes to more complex queries or when a result requires deeper interaction, suggesting a need for more refinement.

While Gemini's core functionality works, it doesn’t instill confidence for essential tasks like flight bookings. Without the ability to customize parameters or easily navigate through options, the system can feel frustrating, especially for tasks that typically require careful attention. The current execution feels like an advanced tech concept without a direct application for regular users.

Therefore, while Gemini Intelligence might shine in specific situations, I suspect the majority would prefer to handle day-to-day tasks themselves. In many instances, opting for manual operation ultimately saves more time than relying on the AI’s lengthy processes.

This might be an early iteration, and future updates might improve the functionality. However, at this point, it's clear that Google and Samsung need to clarify the usability and benefits of Gemini Intelligence for it to resonate with the average consumer.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what functionalities you believe an AI service should possess to genuinely assist you in your daily tasks.