Gemini's Food Ordering Feature Fails Most Android Users

Android users are facing frustration as they try to use Gemini's food and ride ordering feature, which is only available on specific devices. The feature was launched in beta earlier this year, but it seems that not all users are able to access it. I tried using the feature myself with a Pixel 8 phone, but got stuck at the same point twice - unable to place an order or even launch the Foodpanda app.

Gemini's response was generic and unhelpful, failing to acknowledge that the feature is only available on specific devices. Google's documentation lists the supported devices as Pixel 10 series and Samsung Galaxy S26 series, but it seems that not all of these phones are able to use the feature.

Android runs on billions of active devices worldwide, with most users excluded from this feature. The limitation is due to the narrow slate of supported devices, which includes only two device families in exactly two countries - the US and Korea. The rest of Android's audience is left watching keynote demos of a feature that doesn't function.

Gemini's silence on the issue makes it seem like a design problem, rather than simply a matter of device compatibility. If the company had been upfront about which devices were supported, users would have known what to expect and could have avoided frustration. Instead, they are left with a vague message that suggests the feature is broken or unavailable.