khadinakbarlabs/expo-mobile-app-builder/add-app-actions-slices

Add App Actions + Slices (Android Assistant)

Google Assistant integration. Equivalent of Siri Shortcuts on iOS.

Reality (2026)

Google's app integrations API is in flux. As of 2025, Google announced shift toward Gemini integration. Direct Assistant App Actions less common in new apps.

When to invest

• High-value voice commands (fitness logging, smart home)
• Hands-busy users (cooking, driving)
• Existing voice ecosystem (Nest, Pixel Buds)

Implementation paths

Path 1: App Actions (legacy, Google Assistant)

Create app/src/main/res/xml/actions.xml:

<actions>
  <action intentName="actions.intent.LOG_HABIT">
    <fulfillment urlTemplate="myapp://log/{habit}" />
  </action>
</actions>

Reference in manifest:

<meta-data android:name="com.google.android.actions" android:resource="@xml/actions" />

Test via Google's App Actions Test Tool.

Path 2: Slices (deprecated by Google but still works)

Render rich content in Assistant suggestions. Mostly replaced by App Actions; new apps shouldn't bother.

Path 3: Wait for Gemini Extensions API

Google announced Gemini Extensions for Android at I/O 2025 — will replace Assistant App Actions long-term. As of 2026, in developer preview.

Recommendation

For 2026 indie apps: skip this. Lower ROI than building widgets (add-android-widget-glance) or app shortcuts (add-android-quick-actions). Revisit when Gemini Extensions API stabilizes.

Pair with

• add-android-quick-actions for higher-ROI shortcut UX
• add-gemini-nano for actual AI capability