Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gains Google Gemini “bean‑bag phone” mode — AI can tap through apps, but won’t pay

What was announced and tested

It has been reported that Samsung pushed a software update in the U.S. enabling Google’s “Gemini task automation” (also known as Screen Automation) on the Galaxy S26 series. Technology site 9to5Google tested the feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and described an experience akin to the Chinese internet slang “豆包手机” — literally “bean‑bag phone” — where an AI assistant mimics a user and performs repetitive taps inside apps on the user’s behalf. The Chinese tech outlet IT Home (IT之家) and Phoenix New Media (凤凰网 / ifeng) summarized the same findings.

Hands‑free ordering in practice

In the 9to5Google trial, editor Ben Schoon asked Gemini to order a spicy chicken sandwich from Popeye’s via Uber Eats; reportedly, Gemini took over, navigated the app, added the item to the cart and skipped promotional upsell pages, progressing the workflow to the tipping and final checkout stage. The assistant will not complete payment by itself — the device vibrates and prompts the user to take control for the final authorization. The practical payoff? The automation may not be faster than a human at every step, but it can free your hands while the assistant handles the tedious clicks.

Stability, privacy and regulatory context

The test also exposed rough edges: Schoon encountered a system freeze in a full‑screen preview that required a forced reboot, suggesting the feature still needs polish. Will users trust an AI that gains UI control of third‑party apps? That question matters beyond convenience — automated control raises security and privacy concerns at a time when U.S. and European regulators are intensifying scrutiny of AI behaviour, data handling and consent. It has been reported that Samsung and Google will likely need to provide robust safeguards and clear user controls as they roll this capability wider.