Artificial intelligence continues to reshape how we interact with technology, and Google is keeping pace with its latest updates to Gemini. Announced at Google I/O 2025, the tech giant has introduced Scheduled Actions and a new swipe gesture for Gemini Live, enhancing the AI’s ability to streamline tasks and improve user accessibility. These features mark a significant step in Google’s mission to make AI a seamless part of daily life, competing head-on with rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In this article, we explore these new capabilities, their benefits, and what they mean for the future of AI-driven productivity.
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What Are Scheduled Actions?
Google’s Scheduled Actions feature allows Gemini users to automate routine tasks by setting one-time or recurring prompts. Whether it’s checking your calendar, summarizing unread emails, or delivering updates about your favorite sports team, Gemini can now handle these tasks proactively at specified times. This functionality mirrors a similar feature introduced by OpenAI for ChatGPT earlier this year, signaling Google’s determination to stay competitive in the AI assistant race.
For example, a user could instruct Gemini to send a daily summary of their calendar at 8 a.m. or fetch sports scores every weekend. This automation reduces the need for manual input, saving time and keeping users organized. Unlike traditional task managers, Gemini’s AI-driven approach personalizes these actions based on user preferences, making it a powerful tool for both personal and professional productivity.
Scheduled Actions transform Gemini into a proactive assistant, handling repetitive tasks so users can focus on what matters most.
New Swipe Gesture for Gemini Live
Google has also made accessing Gemini Live easier with a new swipe gesture. Previously, users had to tap a dedicated button at the bottom of the screen to engage with Gemini Live, the conversational mode of the AI. Now, a simple swipe from the right side of the screen to the left opens Gemini Live instantly. This intuitive gesture enhances user experience, particularly for mobile users who value quick access to AI assistance on the go.
The swipe gesture reflects Google’s focus on seamless integration, ensuring that Gemini Live is just a swipe away whether you’re checking notifications or seeking real-time answers. This update makes the AI feel more like a natural extension of the user’s device, reducing friction and encouraging frequent use.
Who Can Access These Features?
While these updates are exciting, access to Scheduled Actions is restricted to premium users. Specifically, the feature is available to those with a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, as well as eligible Google Workspace business and education plan holders. This exclusivity aligns with Google’s strategy to offer advanced AI features to its premium subscribers, ensuring they get the most value from Gemini’s capabilities.
It remains unclear whether Google imposes limits on the number of active scheduled tasks, as OpenAI does with ChatGPT’s limit of ten. Users may also wonder if they can pause or delete tasks if a limit is reached, but Google has not yet provided details on these specifics. As the rollout continues, more clarity may emerge for subscribers.
Gemini 2.5 Pro: An Upgraded Preview
In addition to Scheduled Actions and the swipe gesture, Google is preparing to launch an upgraded preview of Gemini 2.5 Pro, its latest large language model. Building on the recently released 2.5 Pro model, which excels in coding tasks, this upgraded version promises further improvements in performance and versatility. While specific details about the enhancements are sparse, the update underscores Google’s commitment to advancing its AI models to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI.
The focus on coding capabilities suggests that Gemini 2.5 Pro could be a game-changer for developers, offering more accurate code generation and debugging assistance. This aligns with Google’s broader goal of empowering professionals across industries with AI tools that enhance efficiency and creativity.
Benefits for Users
The introduction of Scheduled Actions and the swipe gesture for Gemini Live brings several advantages for users:
- Time Efficiency: Automating tasks like email summaries or calendar checks frees up time for more critical activities.
- Personalization: Gemini tailors updates and actions to user preferences, delivering relevant information like sports scores or task reminders.
- Enhanced Accessibility: The swipe gesture makes Gemini Live more intuitive, especially for mobile users who need quick AI interactions.
- Professional Productivity: Workspace users can leverage Scheduled Actions to streamline workflows, such as managing meeting notes or project updates.
These features make Gemini a more versatile assistant, catering to both casual users and professionals who rely on AI to stay organized and informed.
The Future of AI Assistants
Google’s latest updates to Gemini highlight the rapid evolution of AI assistants, as companies race to deliver tools that are not only powerful but also deeply integrated into daily life. The introduction of Scheduled Actions positions Gemini as a proactive partner, capable of anticipating user needs and acting independently. Meanwhile, the swipe gesture for Gemini Live reflects a growing emphasis on user-friendly design, ensuring AI is accessible at a moment’s notice.
Looking ahead, the upgraded Gemini 2.5 Pro model suggests Google is doubling down on improving its AI’s technical capabilities, particularly for specialized tasks like coding. As AI assistants become more sophisticated, we can expect further advancements in automation, personalization, and cross-platform integration. Google’s focus on premium subscriptions also indicates a shift toward tiered AI services, where advanced features are reserved for paying users.
However, Google faces stiff competition from OpenAI and others, who are also pushing the boundaries of AI functionality. The race to dominate the AI assistant market will likely drive innovation, benefiting users with increasingly capable tools. For now, Gemini’s new features mark a significant step forward, offering a glimpse into a future where AI seamlessly handles routine tasks and enhances productivity across the board.
