Google is testing a new Android feature designed to anticipate what users want to do next and surface apps or actions automatically. The feature, called Contextual Suggestions, has been spotted in beta and is tied to Google Play Services rather than a full Android version update.
The discovery comes from Android Authority, which found references to Contextual Suggestions in Google Play Services version 25.49.32. The feature aims to proactively present relevant actions based on context, such as showing navigation and music controls when heading to a car, or surfacing playlists at the gym.
Other examples include automatically suggesting media casting when a TV is detected, or bringing up apps tied to a routine without manual input. The system appears designed to reduce friction by predicting intent rather than waiting for explicit commands.
According to settings strings uncovered in the beta, Contextual Suggestions are processed locally on the device. Google states that the data used is encrypted and automatically deleted after 60 days. Users can also manually clear the data at any time.
The feature is optional. Android includes a toggle that allows Contextual Suggestions to be disabled completely, preventing the system from generating or acting on predictions. This aligns with Google’s recent approach of shipping AI-driven automation as opt-out rather than mandatory.
Despite local processing claims, the feature still represents a shift toward deeper behavioral inference on Android devices. Predictive systems rely on usage patterns, location signals, and activity context, which may concern users who prefer explicit control over automation.
Contextual Suggestions are currently limited to beta builds and are not yet widely available. Google has not announced a rollout timeline or confirmed which Android versions will support the feature.
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