The Verge tests Google Gemini Spark, a 24/7 AI helper for tasks

In short: The Verge reports that Google’s new Gemini Spark can complete multi-step tasks for you, but it may not be worth the price and privacy tradeoffs yet.

What happened

Google is testing a new tool called Gemini Spark. Google describes it as a “24/7” AI agent, meaning it can keep working even when you are not actively using your phone or computer.

An AI agent is like a digital assistant that can take actions, not just answer questions. For example, instead of telling you what to write, it could draft an email and gather the details you asked for (like a helper who can do errands, not just give advice).

The Verge journalist Jay Peters says Spark can be “shockingly good” at doing things on your behalf. But he also says he is unsure it is worth the financial cost, and he flags potential privacy concerns.

Google’s own marketing for Spark tries to address those concerns. On Spark’s website, Google says Spark is “always under your direction,” you choose when to turn it on, and it is designed to check with you before taking “major actions.”

Peters tried using Spark in ways similar to Google’s on-stage demo at Google I/O 2026. One example shown at the event was asking Spark to draft an email, pull together updates about recent product launches and wins, and even adjust the writing style to sound like the sender.

Why it matters

Tools like Spark aim to save time by doing work in the background, but they may need broad access to your accounts, messages, and files to do that well. For many people, the decision may come down to a simple tradeoff: convenience versus ongoing subscription costs and how comfortable you feel giving an assistant that much access.

Source: The Verge AI