3 ways Samsung deeply integrates Gemini AI into its new Galaxy devices

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Samsung unveiled foldables, a smartwatch, and smart glasses.
• The devices support several Gemini-powered features.
• Gemini's hardware permissions remain unclear.

Samsung's summer Unpacked event was once again full of AI-powered features, this time with deeper hardware integration. Samsung is leaning on Google's Gemini for expansive automation and deep research capabilities, with Gemini appearing natively across its new hardware lineup, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Watch 9, and its upcoming smart glasses.

Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2026: New foldables, smartwatches, and smart glasses

If you're looking to upgrade your Samsung Galaxy mobile ecosystem, here are some Gemini features you can expect.

1. Task automation

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

In a blog post, Google said that Gemini Intelligence can help users complete digital tasks, such as purchasing concert tickets, ordering dinner, or booking a travel experience. According to Google, Gemini Intelligence will be compatible with over 40 apps, though which apps will be supported and when remains unclear.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 8 will support native Gemini Intelligence summoning via its Flex Window by hard-pressing the power button, allowing users easy access. Google explained that users will still have control over Gemini's process, allowing them to view its progress, pause an upcoming task, and verify that the AI is doing what they want it to.

Also: I tried Samsung's new wide Galaxy Z Fold 8, and it's my favorite product of Unpacked 2026

Based on Google's included Gemini Intelligence automation demo, human input is still required to complete the purchase if you ask Gemini Intelligence to find a product and place an order.

Last month, during its Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple announced that Siri will soon operate similarly, executing cross-app tasks to automate everyday digital interactions.

However, Apple's closed ecosystem allows Siri to access a user's sensitive digital information, such as Messages, Photos, and Calendar, across devices connected to the same iCloud account. It's unclear whether Samsung will allow Gemini to request the same access to Galaxy users' devices.

2. Gemini Notebook integration

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Shortly after Google rebranded its research assistant NotebookLM as Gemini Notebook, Samsung and Google announced that the app would come preinstalled on Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Also: How to use Gemini to plan your next summer vacation - in minutes

With the Galaxy foldable phones' larger displays and especially the Galaxy Z Fold's side-by-side display, Samsung and Google touted how users can more easily drag and drop links, photos, documents, and more, making their mobile workflow smoother.

3. Glasses and Galaxy Watch work together

At its Unpacked event, Samsung teased more about its upcoming smart glasses, created in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. During the Google I/O developer conference in May, Google detailed that the Android XR platform would soon support smart glasses.

Also: I wore the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for a week - it's a true Apple Watch Ultra 3 rival

According to Samsung, the upcoming glasses will be display-free, with a camera, speakers, and microphones instead. In its blog post, Google stated that the glasses will support Gemini AI and natively integrate with compatible smartwatches.