6 places where Google’s Gemini AI should be but isn’t

Google’s Gemini AI assistant has rapidly expanded across Android devices and applications, positioning itself as a comprehensive digital helper that can understand natural language, execute tasks, and sometimes act autonomously. Yet despite this aggressive rollout, the AI assistant remains notably absent from several areas where users actually need intelligent assistance most.

While Gemini can help compose emails and automate routine tasks, its current implementation feels scattered—present in some apps but missing from core system functions where an AI assistant could provide genuine value. Here are six strategic areas where Gemini’s integration would transform the user experience from merely convenient to genuinely indispensable.

1. Device troubleshooting and technical support

When smartphone problems arise, most users instinctively turn to Google searches, YouTube tutorials, or Reddit forums for solutions. However, Apple Intelligence—Apple’s AI system that enhances Siri with advanced language capabilities—has demonstrated a more efficient approach by allowing users to ask Siri directly about device issues, with the assistant providing step-by-step solutions using Apple’s official support documentation.

Google could leverage its extensive and detailed support database to give Gemini similar capabilities. Rather than forcing users to hunt through multiple websites for solutions, Gemini could instantly provide accurate, official troubleshooting steps. Imagine asking “Why won’t my Pixel connect to Wi-Fi?” and receiving immediate, verified instructions rather than embarking on a time-consuming search across multiple sources.

This integration would be particularly valuable given Google’s comprehensive documentation, which often surpasses Apple’s in technical detail and clarity.

2. Intelligent file management

Beyond simple file searches, Gemini could revolutionize how users interact with their device storage through conversational commands. For professionals who frequently switch devices or manage extensive digital archives, the current Files app becomes an unwieldy maze of folders and backups.

A Gemini-powered Files app would allow natural language requests like “Show me the PDF I downloaded from my bank app two weeks ago” or “Delete all folders created before 2024.” This conversational approach would eliminate the tedious process of manually navigating through nested folder structures, particularly valuable for users managing multiple device backups or complex file hierarchies.

While Google Drive currently offers some AI-powered file management through paid Gemini subscriptions, these capabilities need to extend to offline, on-device file management for comprehensive utility.

3. Notification intelligence and summaries

Apple’s notification summary feature, despite its occasional amusing failures, addresses a genuine problem: notification overload. Android users receiving hundreds of daily notifications from dozens of apps would benefit from AI-powered notification management that goes beyond Apple’s current implementation.

Gemini could provide intelligent notification summaries, allowing users to request updates like “Summarize my order notifications from today” or “Show me important work messages from the last hour.” More sophisticated filtering could help users manage social media noise—automatically summarizing Instagram story notifications or filtering out repetitive app updates.

For workplace productivity, Gemini could summarize lengthy Slack thread discussions, helping users quickly determine which conversations require immediate attention. Additionally, the ability to retrieve dismissed notifications through conversational queries would prevent important messages from being permanently lost in the digital noise.

4. Guided device setup assistance

Setting up new smartphones involves navigating complex menus and technical decisions that can overwhelm non-technical users. Current setup processes assume users understand privacy settings, app permissions, and system configurations—assumptions that often prove incorrect, particularly for older users or those less familiar with technology.

Gemini could serve as a real-time setup assistant, explaining each configuration choice and providing personalized recommendations based on user needs. Instead of presenting cryptic toggle switches without context, the system could respond to questions like “Should I enable this location setting?” with clear explanations of benefits and privacy implications.

This guided approach could extend to data transfer processes, helping users move information from old devices while explaining each step. Such assistance would transform setup from a potentially frustrating technical hurdle into a conversational, educational experience.

5. macOS integration as a Siri alternative

Apple’s Siri performs notably poorly on Mac computers, creating an opportunity for Google to expand Gemini beyond its Android ecosystem. While full system control would face technical and security limitations, Gemini could function as an intelligent search and assistance layer within macOS.

Integrating with the Command+Space shortcut—already muscle memory for Mac users—Gemini could provide instant answers, suggestions, and smart task execution directly from the system search bar. This wouldn’t require deep system integration; rather, it could serve as a conversational interface that reduces the need to open browser tabs for quick information or simple tasks.

Such expansion would represent Google’s first major AI assistant presence on Apple’s desktop platform, potentially attracting users frustrated with Siri’s limitations.

6. Enhanced entertainment platform integration

YouTube, YouTube Music, and Google TV represent prime opportunities for sophisticated AI integration that goes beyond current capabilities. While various AI tools can summarize video content, Gemini could provide comprehensive entertainment assistance across Google’s media platforms.

For YouTube, Gemini could extract tutorial steps, assess whether videos contain sought-after information before users invest viewing time, or suggest appropriate content based on context (“Show me something short and funny for lunch break”). Advanced navigation commands like “Jump to the camera comparison section” would make long-form content more accessible.

YouTube Music could benefit from restored natural-language playlist creation—a feature Google previously offered but discontinued. Commands like “Create a playlist similar to what I listened to during my road trip last month” would leverage listening history to understand user preferences better than manual curation.

Google TV integration could enable sophisticated content discovery through commands like “Find thrillers with Tom Cruise available on Prime Video” or “Summarize the previous season before I start watching.” Such capabilities would transform passive content consumption into interactive, intelligent entertainment management.

The broader implications

These six integration points represent more than feature requests—they illustrate AI’s potential to move beyond novelty applications toward genuine utility. Rather than adding AI capabilities where they feel forced or unnecessary, these implementations would address actual user pain points where intelligent assistance provides clear value.

The success of such integrations depends on execution quality and user trust. Apple Intelligence’s mixed reception demonstrates that AI features must work reliably to gain user adoption, while privacy concerns require transparent data handling practices.

As AI assistants evolve from experimental tools to essential digital companions, their value will be measured not by their presence everywhere, but by their usefulness where it matters most. For Gemini to truly become the comprehensive assistant Google envisions, it must first master these fundamental areas where users genuinely need intelligent help.