Google I/O 2025 is set to commence on Tuesday, May 20, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, with the keynote presentation scheduled for 3 a.m. AEST on May 21.
This year’s conference promises significant updates across Google’s software and AI platforms, with a particular focus on Android 16 and the expanded capabilities of Gemini AI.
Android 16
Android 16 introduces the Material 3 Expressive design language, marking the most substantial visual overhaul of Android in years. This update emphasizes personalization with enhanced animations, typography, and dynamic color themes. Notable features include
- Live Updates: Similar to Apple’s Live Activities, this feature allows ongoing app notifications to be pinned to the lock screen.
- Enhanced Battery Health Menus: Providing users with more detailed insights into battery performance.
- Desktop Mode: Enabling a desktop-like experience on compatible devices.
- Find Hub: A rebranded and expanded version of “Find My Device,” offering broader tracking capabilities.
Additionally, Android 16 introduces a Linux Terminal feature, allowing users to run GNU applications within a virtual machine on their devices, bringing Android closer to a desktop-like experience.
Gemini AI: Expanding Across Devices
Google’s Gemini AI assistant is set to become the default across various platforms, including Wear OS, Android Auto, Google TV, and Android XR.
This expansion aims to provide a more seamless and conversational AI experience, enabling users to interact naturally with their devices without needing fixed commands.
RCS Messaging
Android 16 continues to champion Rich Communication Services (RCS), aiming to make it the messaging standard for both Android and iOS.
With over a billion daily RCS messages in the U.S. alone, RCS offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality photo/video sharing, regardless of phone type.
Security Enhancements
Android 16 introduces several security improvements, including
- Scam and Robocall Detection: Identifying and blocking fraudulent calls.
- Protections against unauthorized system changes during calls.
- Screen-Sharing Safeguards: Enhancing privacy during screen-sharing sessions.
- Improved scam detection in Google Messages using on-device AI.
- Factory reset protections and secure handling of one-time passcodes.
Find Hub: A Unified Tracking Solution
The “Find My Device” app evolves into Find Hub, a central spot to locate tagged items and track friends and family (with permission).
Find Hub supports more devices and Bluetooth tags, offering precise tracking down to a few feet. Later this year, satellite connectivity will enable tracking without mobile coverage.
Google I/O 2025 is poised to be a landmark event, showcasing advancements that will shape the future of Android and AI technologies.
