Google I/O is set to begin with a keynote address on Tuesday, May 19. The company is expected to make several major announcements, particularly regarding its plans for Gemini and Android XR.
This annual developer event from the Mountain View company has a significant impact on the digital world. Google powers billions of devices with Android, and its influence extends to Search, Gemini, and more. Over the past few years, artificial intelligence has become a central theme. While Google discussed DeepMind and LLMs abstractly five years ago, these technologies are now a reality.
1. Gemini Takes Center Stage
Gemini appears to be the most progressive AI system, not just for image and video creation or chatbot responses, but for deep device integration. Google has the advantage of embedding Gemini directly into its computing platforms. At Google I/O, we expect Gemini to become more agentic, performing tasks on behalf of users with deeper integration into third-party services. Beyond simple actions like adding calendar items, we anticipate a big step forward. Leaked information suggests Omni, an evolution of Veo video creation, will be fully introduced. Gemini is also expected to become properly multi-modal from a single prompt. A mention of plans for Gemini powering Apple Intelligence is also possible.
2. Unification of Android and Chrome OS
Google has long aimed to unify Android and Chrome OS. Small steps have been taken, and the recent Android Show revealed changes in Android 17 with Gemini Intelligence and the introduction of Googlebook. Googlebook was announced with an unnamed operating system, referred to as Aluminium OS, though this is not yet official. We expect Google I/O to provide more details. The evolution of this OS promises more seamless interaction between mobile and laptop, intelligence through Gemini, and benefits for PCs from Android developments. Chrome will continue, but Googlebook is likely to accelerate the experience.
3. Android XR: The Future of Wearables
Google's wearable platform is still young, and while Galaxy XR debuted Android XR, we haven't seen Google's smart glasses in a commercial device. Rumors suggest Samsung will announce Galaxy Glasses in July, and with Samsung as a key development partner, we expect to hear more and possibly see real products. Involvement from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker may also be highlighted, while Xreal's Project Aura could get stage time. Android XR glasses are coming in 2026, and Google I/O is the perfect opportunity to fill in the gaps and show what we can expect.
Google will stream the event starting May 19 at 10am PT (6pm BST).