Vidita Chandra | 13 May 2025 06:01 PM
Google's much-anticipated annual developer conference, Google I/O 2025, is set to begin on May 20, spanning two days of exciting software updates and announcements. Before the main event kicks off, Google will also host ‘The Android Show: I/O Edition’ on May 13 at 10:30 pm IST. This standalone event, revealed ahead of the I/O conference, is expected to shine a spotlight on Android developments, with a special focus on Android 16.
Google's upcoming Android Show will be broadcast live on the official Android YouTube channel on May 13 at 10:30 p.m. IST. The event is open to all and will feature livestreamed keynotes and sessions, offering a deep dive into Android's latest developments.
On May 20, the Google I/O 2025 keynote will kick off at 10:30 p.m. IST from Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheatre, California. You can catch the livestream of the keynote on Google’s official channels.
The upcoming Google event will focus on four key areas – Android, AI, web, and Cloud, with major updates expected for Android 16 and Gemini AI. Google promises to showcase its latest products, technologies, and innovations in AI.
Reports suggest Android 16 will introduce revamped volume controls, a more refined user interface, and enhancements to accessibility tools. It’s also expected to feature health record support, a dynamic refresh rate, and better privacy and security measures. Notably, Android 16 may roll out an Advanced Protection Mode to offer users enhanced security, automatically applying stricter measures for those who don't typically adjust advanced settings.
Additionally, the update will enhance Health Connect, introducing Health Connect 2.0 with support for FHIR medical records and new features like tracking physical activity intensity and categorising workouts according to WHO guidelines.
At Google I/O 2025, major AI advancements are on the horizon, with key highlights expected to include Gemini's open model, Google AI Studio, and NotebookLM. Leaks point to the launch of the upgraded Gemini Ultra, Google’s premium model, possibly bundled with a more expensive Gemini subscription. Google’s ambitious Astra project, focused on real-time AI applications and agents, is also anticipated, alongside Project Mariner, which enables AI agents to navigate the web and take action on behalf of users.
A major reveal is expected to be Android XR, a new extended reality platform co-developed with Samsung. This system aims to deliver virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality experiences, powered by Google’s Gemini AI. Android XR could potentially rival Apple and Meta, with support for Samsung’s Project Moohan and other headsets in the mixed-reality market.