Google I/O 2025: What to Expect

Google I/O, Google’s biggest developer conference of the year, is nearly upon us.

Scheduled for May 20 to 21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, I/O will showcase product announcements from across Google’s portfolio. Expect plenty of news relating to Android, Chrome, Google Search, YouTube, and — of course — Google’s AI-powered chatbot, Gemini.

Here’s what to expect.

Gemini and AI

AI is the tech du jour, and Google, like its rivals, has been investing heavily in it.

A shoo-in for I/O is a new addition (or several) to Google’s flagship Gemini family of AI models. Leaks over the past few weeks suggest that an updated Gemini Ultra model is on the way, Gemini Ultra being Google’s top-of-the-line Gemini offering.

With this upgraded Gemini Ultra may come a pricier Gemini subscription.

Google offers a single premium tier, Gemini Advanced ($20 per month), to unlock additional capabilities in its Gemini chatbot, which is powered by the company’s Gemini models. But Google may soon launch two new plans, Premium Plus and Premium Pro. It’s not yet clear what benefits might be attached and how these plans might be priced relative to Gemini Advanced.

Google will almost certainly talk about Astra, its wide-ranging effort to build AI apps and “agents” for real-time, multimodal understanding. Also probably on the agenda is Project Mariner, Google’s AI “agents” that can navigate and take action across the web on a user’s behalf. Folks on X spotted references to “Computer Use” in the code for Google’s AI Studio developer platform, which could well pertain to Mariner.

Android 16

For the first time this year, Google is hosting a separate event dedicated to Android updates: The Android Show. It’ll take place on Tuesday, roughly a week ahead of I/O.

The latest version of Android, Android 16, will be the focus. Android 16 is expected to bring with it improved notifications and an entirely new design language, Material 3 Expressive. In a leaked blog post, Google describes Material 3 Expressive as a top-to-bottom overhaul, with greater responsiveness and “action elements” that pop.

Android 16 is mostly a quality-of-life update, judging by reports. It’ll introduce support for Auracast, which should make it easier to switch between Bluetooth devices. Also in tow are lock screen widgets and a range of new accessibility features.

Google may also spotlight capabilities in the latest versions of Android XR, its mixed reality operating system, and Wear OS, the company’s software for wearables.

Everything else

Going by the official I/O schedule, Google will have plenty to discuss following The Android Show and I/O keynote addresses.

The schedule lists sessions dedicated to Chrome and Google Cloud, Google Play (the Android app store), Android development tools, and Gemma, Google’s collection of “open” AI models.

Last year, Google unveiled a few AI-themed surprises at I/O, including a set of models fine-tuned for education applications called LearnLM. An upgrade to Google’s viral podcast-generating NotebookLM could be one such surprise. Leaked code reveals a “Video Overviews” tool that presumably would create video summaries, most likely leveraging Google’s Veo 2 video-generating model.

Deeper Dive into Gemini and AI at Google I/O 2025

Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly be a central theme at Google I/O 2025. Google is expected to showcase advancements in its Gemini AI model family, potentially unveiling a new, more powerful Gemini Ultra. This could lead to enhanced capabilities in various Google services and applications, solidifying Google's position in the competitive AI landscape.

Potential Gemini Subscription Tiers

• Gemini Advanced: The current premium tier offering enhanced chatbot capabilities.
• Gemini Premium Plus (Rumored): Speculated to offer additional features and benefits beyond Gemini Advanced.
• Gemini Premium Pro (Rumored): Another potential tier with unknown features and pricing.

The introduction of new subscription tiers could provide users with more options to access advanced AI features based on their specific needs and usage patterns.

Google's AI Agent Initiatives: Astra and Project Mariner

Google's exploration of AI agents is another area of significant interest. Project Astra aims to create AI applications capable of real-time, multimodal understanding, while Project Mariner focuses on developing AI agents that can navigate and perform tasks on the web autonomously. These projects reflect Google's vision of AI playing a more proactive and integrated role in users' daily lives.

Android 16: Features and Improvements

Android 16, the latest iteration of Google's mobile operating system, is expected to bring a host of improvements and new features. While Google is hosting a separate event, "The Android Show," to delve deeper into these updates, I/O will likely provide a broader context and showcase how Android 16 integrates with Google's overall ecosystem.

Key Features Expected in Android 16

• Material 3 Expressive: A revamped design language with enhanced responsiveness and visually appealing action elements.
• Auracast Support: Improved Bluetooth device switching for a seamless audio experience.
• Lock Screen Widgets: Customizable widgets on the lock screen for quick access to information.
• Accessibility Features: A range of new accessibility options to cater to diverse user needs.

These updates collectively aim to enhance the user experience, making Android more intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing.

Beyond Gemini and Android: Other Potential Announcements

Google I/O is not just about AI and Android; it's a platform for showcasing a wide range of Google's products and services. Expect updates and announcements related to Chrome, Google Cloud, Google Play, and other key areas.

Potential Surprises and Updates

• LearnLM: Updates to Google's AI models fine-tuned for education applications.
• NotebookLM: Enhancements to the podcast-generating tool, possibly including video summary capabilities using Veo 2.
• Gemma: Further developments in Google's collection of open AI models.

Google has a history of unveiling unexpected innovations at I/O, so be prepared for potential surprises in areas like AI-driven tools and experimental projects.

The Broader Impact of Google's Announcements

The announcements made at Google I/O 2025 will have far-reaching implications for developers, businesses, and consumers alike. The advancements in AI, particularly with Gemini and AI agents, could transform how we interact with technology and automate tasks. The updates to Android 16 will shape the mobile experience for millions of users worldwide. And the developments in other areas like Chrome and Google Cloud will impact web browsing, cloud computing, and application development.

Key Takeaways for Different Stakeholders

• Developers: New tools, APIs, and platforms to build innovative applications and services.
• Businesses: Opportunities to leverage AI and cloud technologies to improve efficiency and create new revenue streams.
• Consumers: Enhanced user experiences, more intuitive interfaces, and access to cutting-edge AI-powered features.

Conclusion

Google I/O 2025 promises to be an exciting event filled with groundbreaking announcements and insights into the future of technology. With a strong focus on AI, Android, and other key areas, Google is poised to shape the tech landscape for years to come. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage and analysis of all the major announcements from the conference.