Describe a – Two new updates aim to take the hardest part out of automation: instead of wrestling with multi-step setup screens, Google smartwatches and Apple iOS 27 will let people describe what they want and let AI do the heavy lifting.
The moment I realized how annoying smart automation can be, I was already late—subway doors closing, my phone in my hand, and one more tap away from walking into the gym.
A few months ago, I got tired of fumbling the same steps. Each trip meant riding a few stops, then pulling up a barcode on my phone for the front desk to scan so I could get in. So I built a shortcut on my iPhone: open my gym’s app automatically.
It worked, but the process didn’t feel intuitive. The first time I used the Shortcuts app. I had to build it in a way that made sense only after you learn the system: create a “Do” command—my command was simply opening my gym’s app. Then I went to the Automation tab. added a new Shortcut. and linked a “When” to a “Do.” In my case. the “When” was arriving at my gym’s location. and the “Do” was opening my gym’s app. It wasn’t difficult, but it wasn’t seamless either—especially if you don’t already live inside automation menus.
That friction is exactly what Apple and Google are trying to smooth out.
Apple’s next step arrives with iOS 27. after a developer conference where the company unveiled a feature called Describe a Shortcut. The promise is straightforward: instead of assembling multi-step Shortcuts by hand. a person can describe what they want. and Apple’s AI does the bulk of the work. The feature is set to arrive alongside Apple’s revamped, more capable Siri.
Google is moving in parallel, and it starts with an Android smartwatch feature announced as Create My Widget. Earlier this month, Google unveiled Create My Widget for Android phones. On Tuesday, it announced the same capability is coming to its smartwatches. Google said it’s launching alongside Wear OS 7.
Creating a widget, in this new approach, is described as simpler: you just describe what you want to see on your smartwatch. Google says the technology behind it is Gemini Intelligence.
In a blog post, Google framed it as more than static convenience—multi-step app automation handled from the watch. The company said Gemini navigates tasks directly from your watch, whether it’s reserving a front-row bike for a spin class or ordering your usual from a favorite restaurant.
Wear OS 7 isn’t only about widgets. Google also said the update brings live updates to your Pixel Watch from your phone app, improved multi-device functionality meant to support intelligent eyewear and headphones coming soon, and a 10% increase in battery life.
The DIY era of automation is getting easier, and the pitch from both companies is the same: reduce the workload that falls on the phone or smartwatch user when they want information at a glance or a task carried out with fewer taps.
If you’re already used to widgets, the appeal is obvious. I use four widgets on my iPhone with live updates—hourly weather checks. subway arrival times. easy access to my Spotify app. and checking how many Citi Bikes are available at my nearest dock. I like them because they make the apps I rely on most feel close to the surface. without digging through menus.
Shortcuts carry the same promise, even if setting them up can feel like learning a new language. Apple’s Describe a Shortcut, and Google’s Create My Widget on Wear OS 7, both point toward a future where the first step—building the automation—doesn’t have to be the hard part.
By shrinking the effort required to turn an everyday routine into an automated action. Google and Apple are nudging smart devices toward something closer to “tell it what you want.” It’s a small set of updates on paper. but they land right where people actually get stuck: the moment you’re trying to make technology do the thing you already do every day—without the hassle.
Google Create My Widget Wear OS 7 Gemini Intelligence Apple Describe a Shortcut iOS 27 Shortcuts automation Siri Pixel Watch smartwatch widgets
So basically just talk to your watch and it works? Cool I guess.
I tried iPhone automations once and it was like… why is it so many screens?? If Siri can do the setup for me then sure. But I feel like it’ll mess up when I’m on the subway or something.
Wait so this is gonna open your gym app when you arrive? That’s what they’re calling “smartwatches automation effortless”? Sounds like it’s still syncing location and that’s gonna drain battery. Also I don’t trust AI guessing what I want, my phone always “understands” wrong.
I saw something like this on TikTok and the guy said Apple was reading your mind, so now I’m supposed to just talk and Google/Apple handle the rest? Idk maybe it’s helpful but also feels like they’re making it even easier for the companies to track where you go. Subway doors closing then “one more tap away” like that’s the real problem… the barcode scan thing is still gonna be annoying right?