Google rolling out AI-powered ‘Contextual suggestions’ on Android: Here’s what it is

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 14, 2026, 08:30 IST

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Google rolling out AI-powered ‘Contextual suggestions’ on Android: Here’s what it is

Google has announced the rollout of Contextual suggestions on Android. This is a new AI-powered feature which is designed to learn from user habits and offer timely recommendations directly on device. Google introduced the feature with the Pixel 10 series running Android 16. The Contextual suggestions feature uses AI to analyse the device activity and location data to predict what might be useful at a given time. For instance, the system can suggest playlists when you’re at the gym or prompt you to cast sports games to your TV at the usual time. These recommendations are designed to make everyday smartphone use more intuitive and personalised.The feature is rolling out on Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a devices with Android 16 and Google Play services version 26.18. It is not yet available on older Pixel models or Android 17 Beta releases.

Privacy and security

Google emphasises that contextual suggestions operate entirely within a secure, encrypted space on the device. Data is never shared with apps or Google unless the user explicitly grants permission. Apps can act on predictions to offer suggestions but cannot access the underlying data.Users retain full control with options to:

Disable location tracking for suggestions.
Delete stored data at any time.
Manage preferences under Settings > [Your name] > All services > Other > Contextual suggestions.

Manage contextual suggestions

Important:

Before you use contextual suggestions for the first time, you’ll find a notice about the feature that provides a link to your settings.
If you cast audio or video from your device:

You must have Android 14 or up.
You can find the notice when you start an active media session while connected to the Wi-Fi network and cast to a device.

On your Android device, open the Settings app.
Tap Apps
All apps
Google Play services.
Tap All services
Developer features
Contextual Suggestions.
Turn Use contextual suggestions on or off.
Under "Data used for your suggestions:”

To use contextual suggestions without location data, turn off Use device location.

When you turn off “Use device location,” contextual suggestions remain on. Your location data won’t be used to give the recommendations.
When "Use device location" is on, location data can only be used if your device location is on.

To manually delete all stored data:

Tap Manage your data.
Next to “Delete all stored data,” tap Delete
To confirm deletion, in the pop-up box, tap Delete.

Tip: The data used for contextual suggestions is automatically deleted after 60 days. You can also delete it at any time before that.

About the AuthorTOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

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