Google I/O 2025 is set to take place on May 20–21, 2025, in Mountain View, California, with livestreams available globally. This year’s event promises significant updates to Google’s AI platform, Gemini, and the Android operating system with the introduction of Android 16.
Gemini 2.5 Pro: Enhanced AI Capabilities
Google has released the Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview (I/O edition), showcasing improved coding capabilities, particularly in building interactive web applications. This version leads on the WebDev Arena Leaderboard, surpassing its predecessor by 147 Elo points. Developers can access this model via the Gemini API through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI.
The Gemini app has also been launched for iPad, featuring multitasking support, Gemini Live for natural conversations in over 45 languages, Deep Research for efficient information gathering, and Canvas for collaborative document and code creation. Additionally, home screen widgets for Gemini are now available on both Android and iOS, allowing quick access to AI functions.
Android 16: New Features and Enhancements
Android 16 introduces the Material 3 Expressive design language, offering a comprehensive UI overhaul with greater responsiveness and dynamic action elements. The update includes a redesigned lock screen, new geometric app icon shapes, and a more colorful battery icon.
Key features of Android 16 include:
- Enhanced Photo Picker: Now supports cloud-based media services like Google Photos, allowing users to select photos stored in their cloud accounts seamlessly .
- Health Records Integration: Introduces support for writing medical records in the FHIR format, enabling apps to access and manage medical data securely .
- Privacy Sandbox: Limits tracking mechanisms by utilizing anonymized data and local processing to deliver personalized content without compromising user privacy .
- Audio Sharing: Utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio’s Auracast technology, allowing users to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously .
- Notification Cooldown: Aims to reduce distractions by temporarily lowering the notification sound and minimizing alerts when multiple notifications are received in quick succession.
- Adaptive Apps: Encourages developers to create applications that adjust fluidly to different display dimensions and orientations, enhancing functionality across various devices.
- Live Updates: Introduces a new class of notifications designed to help users monitor and quickly access important ongoing activities, such as rideshare or delivery updates.
- APV Codec Support: Adds support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, designed for high-quality video recording and post-production .
- Vertical Text Rendering: Adds low-level support for rendering and measuring text vertically, improving support for languages that utilize vertical writing systems.Android 16 is expected to be officially released in June 2025, following its beta testing phase.
Upcoming Announcements at Google I/O 2025
Google I/O 2025 will feature keynotes and sessions covering various topics, including AI, Android, web, and cloud technologies. The event will provide insights into Google’s latest developments and future plans.
