- By Prateek Levi
- Sun, 11 May 2025 05:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Google’s big developer event, I/O 2025, is just around the corner. Starting May 20, this two-day conference is set to showcase Google’s latest advancements across four key areas: Android, AI, web, and Cloud. That means Android 16 is almost certainly on the agenda, along with updates to Gemini AI. And according to Google, “you’ll learn more about Google’s newest products, technologies and innovations in AI.”
Like previous editions, the event will be streamed live and “open to everyone online.” It’ll feature keynote addresses and in-depth sessions, and yes, there’s also going to be a live audience at the familiar Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.
Android 16: More polished, more private, more powerful
Android 16 has been building anticipation for weeks, and I/O 2025 is likely where we finally get the full picture. Early leaks and insider reports suggest that Google’s next-gen OS is bringing a polished UI, revamped volume controls, and upgrades that will boost accessibility.
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One of the most talked-about additions is a new security feature called Advanced Protection Mode. It’s aimed at people who don’t usually mess with deep security settings, automatically locking down their device with stronger protections when enabled. A privacy-forward approach seems to be a recurring theme this year.
Health is another area getting attention. Android 16 will reportedly ship with Health Connect 2.0, which supports medical records in the widely accepted FHIR format. Apps will only be able to access health data with clear, user-given consent. New fitness tools are also on the table, including tracking workout intensity and categorising activity based on World Health Organization standards.
If even half of these rumors hold true, Android 16 is shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade.
Gemini AI and Google’s broader AI play
Google’s AI roadmap is also front and center at I/O this year. The official event site prominently highlights tools like the Gemini open model, Google AI Studio, and NotebookLM under a banner that reads “Start building today.” That’s a strong hint these will be key parts of the keynote.
The big reveal could be an upgraded Gemini Ultra model — the most powerful version in the Gemini family — possibly tied to a higher-tier subscription plan.
Another expected highlight is Astra, Google’s experimental effort to create AI systems and “agents” capable of multimodal, real-time understanding. Project Mariner, which seems to focus on AI-powered agents navigating the web and acting on behalf of users, could also make an appearance. Some users on X have already spotted “Computer Use” references in Google AI Studio’s code, hinting that Mariner might be more than just an internal project at this point.
Android XR: Google and Samsung’s big bet on mixed reality
One of the more exciting debuts may come from the AR/VR front. Android XR — the extended reality OS built jointly by Google and Samsung — is expected to be introduced during the event. The platform is designed to support virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality experiences across various devices, including Samsung’s upcoming Project Moohan headset and future smart glasses.
Gemini AI is expected to play a central role in powering this ecosystem, with Google eyeing a bigger slice of the mixed-reality market currently dominated by Apple and Meta. There are also signs that Android XR could be opened up to other manufacturers, hinting at broader ambitions for the platform.
With just days to go, the countdown to I/O 2025 is officially on — and it looks like Google has a packed agenda ahead.