Google Gears Up: AI and Android Take Center Stage at I/O 2025
Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O 2025, is set to kick off on May 20. As the tech giant’s most significant event of the year, the conference will showcase Google's latest innovations and strategic roadmap. While artificial intelligence (AI) will dominate the spotlight, Android users can also expect major updates. The news was reported by Engadget.
Android 16
Ahead of the main event, Google will host a separate session titled “The Android Show: I/O Edition” on May 13, where Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem, will reveal details about Android 16. The company has confirmed that the new version will launch mid-year. Expected features include “ongoing notifications” similar to live activities, and an enhanced photo picker with cloud storage support.
Android XR
Despite previous setbacks with XR ventures like Google Glass, Daydream, and Cardboard, Google is returning to the extended reality (XR) space with renewed ambition. This time, Android XR will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI. A new headset, developed in collaboration with Samsung and dubbed Project Moohan, is likely to debut later this year. Google’s aim is to create a smarter, more functional XR experience.
AI, Gemini, and Project Astra
Repositioning itself as an AI-first company, Google is expected to unveil new Gemini-powered features at I/O 2025, including updates to AI Overview and AI Mode. There may also be announcements related to Project Marinara, a web-browsing AI agent.
One of the event’s most anticipated highlights is Project Astra — a multimodal voice assistant capable of understanding images and responding through speech. Although a 2024 demo impressed audiences, the technology was still in its early stages. This year, a more refined version could be introduced.
Wear OS and More
While Wear OS received little attention during last year’s keynote, new announcements are expected around Wear OS 5.1. Additionally, the mobile version of NotebookLM, a smart note-taking app launched in 2023, is likely to debut on the first day of the conference.
What Surprises Await?
Although Google events often fall prey to leaks, the company occasionally reveals unexpected developments. All eyes will be on Google I/O 2025 on May 20 and 21 for what could be the company’s most AI-centric gathering yet, bringing Android and future-forward tech together on one stage.
