Google’s Gemini Steals a March on OpenAI

When invading a hostile territory or testing a new AI service, it’s best to move quietly and steal a march on your opponents. Google appears to have learned that lesson. It’s now possible, if you’ve got its latest Pixel or Samsung phones, to ask the Gemini app to order an Uber or a meal on DoorDash. I tried it today and it worked flawlessly, if slowly. (I ordered paper towels via DoorDash, and once Gemini had arranged the transaction, it sent me to DoorDash to click the order button).

OpenAI’s ChatGPT can’t yet offer quite the same thing. Score one for Google. This feature—what it calls task automations—is an example of an AI agent actually fulfilling its promise. Notably, Google hasn’t made a big splash about this so far, other than this low-key announcement last month.