For years, Google has used Samsung’s Unpacked stage to roll out its biggest software tricks. Today’s event was no exception — but this time, the news hits closer to home for anyone who’s been eyeing a foldable.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra are the first devices anywhere to get Gemini Intelligence Galaxy Z Fold 8 task automation, Google’s agentic AI that actually does things for you. Not just answers questions — books the dinner reservation, orders the groceries, grabs the concert tickets.
The Pixel 11, Google’s own flagship, still hasn’t seen this feature in its full public form. That’s a strange sentence to write, but it’s true.
What Gemini Intelligence actually does on the Fold 8
Gemini’s task automation launched in beta back in February. On the new Galaxy foldables, it now works across more than 40 apps. You can hand off multi-step chores like ordering food, adding items to a shopping cart, or snagging event tickets — all by voice or text, hands-free.
Gemini can also read what’s on your screen and use images as prompts, not just typed words. Point it at a flyer, and it’ll figure out what to do next.
Google’s own demo video showed the assistant hopping between apps to complete a single request, with the user able to view, pause, or cancel the whole pipeline at any moment. It’s a far cry from the single-app assistants we’ve had for a decade.
Gemini Notebook comes preinstalled
Speaking of tools you’ll actually use, Gemini Notebook — the research assistant formerly known as NotebookLM — ships preinstalled on the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8. You can drag and drop sources straight into the app and turn them into a podcast, slide deck, or quiz. Handy for students and anyone juggling projects.
Buyers also get a free six-month trial of Google AI Pro, the premium tier that unlocks extra features across Gemini apps.
Galaxy Watch 9 and the new eyewear
It’s not just the phones. The Galaxy Watch 9 lets you raise your wrist to trigger Gemini with no wake word needed. Just lift, speak, done.
Google also confirmed Gemini is coming to Samsung’s intelligent eyewear this fall, with two new designs unveiled at today’s event. No release date yet, but the fall window is close.
The iPhone switcher play
Here’s the part that might matter most to fence-sitters. Android 17 now includes a built-in data transfer tool that moves up to 20 data types — photos, messages, contacts, even app data — wirelessly or via cable, with no third-party apps required.
That’s a direct answer to the biggest headache of leaving iPhone. Google clearly sees Samsung’s foldable audience as a genuine wedge for pulling iOS users over, not just a showcase partner.
Samsung’s hardware might headline today’s event, but Google quietly made the argument for why you’d actually switch to it. The Fold 8 is the spear tip; the software is the reason to grab it.
What this means for the Pixel 11
It’s odd to see Google prioritize a partner’s device over its own. But it’s also smart. Samsung sells foldables at scale, and every new Galaxy owner who tries Gemini Intelligence is one more user hooked into Google’s AI ecosystem.
Expect the Pixel 11 to catch up soon after launch, likely with even deeper integration. For now, though, the bragging rights belong to Samsung.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to try a foldable — or to leave iPhone behind — this might be it. The hardware is impressive, sure. But the software is what’ll keep you there.
