Google I/O 2026 live blog: Updates on Android, Gemini AI, XR, and more we expect

Source: ZDNet

Introduction

Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference, is back after several weeks of hype. The company teased a bit of what’s to come last week when it announced Googlebook, a new line of devices, alongside several Android updates that heavily incorporate AI.

Even without those hints, the company’s main message has been clear lately: Gemini is about to be in everything, and making agentic AI more accessible is the focus for the foreseeable future.

Also: This powerful Gemini setting made my AI results way more personal and accurate

Amidst mounting pressure from competitor labs like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have been aggressively rolling out new models and impressive coding features within just weeks of each other, Google’s task is to keep up — and convince users that the AI push is worth it. So far, not everyone has loved Google’s move to make its AI assistant ever‑present across search, Workspace, and other day‑to‑day surfaces.

When is Google I/O?

The annual developer conference takes place May 19 and 20 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. The opening keynote, at which Google leaders kick off the conference by announcing new software and hardware, starts at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

We’re on site covering those announcements live, which you can follow along here. If you’d like to watch at home, Google will livestream the keynote here for the public.

What’s next for Android XR?

Image: Google Android XR Smart Glasses Developer Kit

At last year’s Google I/O, the company demoed its first pair of Android XR reference glasses. Since then, several demos have showcased the mixed‑reality platform’s capabilities, including AR navigation, Gemini prompting, and content capture.

So, what’s next? Developers will be watching how Google upsells its youngest Android platform, especially as Apple appears poised to release its own AI‑infused smart glasses. Google needs to convince developers that building for Android XR will be worthwhile and persuade consumers that the form factor offers compelling experiences. The answer may lie in leveraging the expansive network of manufacturers eager for a piece of the smart‑glasses pie.

Expect some (and only some) Android news

Image: Googlebook

Ahead of Google I/O, the company held its annual “The Android Show,” announcing a slew of Android and Chrome features set to roll out later this year.

The news included Gemini Intelligence, which adds more advanced AI capabilities such as background task automation, enhanced context tools, more accessible voice inputs, AI‑generated widgets, and general video improvements in Android 17.

Also: First look at Googlebook: A premium Chromebook alternative for Android users

Google also announced a new series of laptops called Googlebook, distinct from Chromebook and Google Books. Googlebook is described as more premium, with tighter integration with Android phones, better app mirroring, faster file transfers across services, and intuitive Gemini tools.

If Google announces more Android news at I/O, expect it to be less than usual.

Counting down the hours

Image: Google IO signage

The ZDNET team has settled into Mountain View, where we’ll be reporting on all the latest developer and software news during Google’s big event tomorrow. Expect some pre‑keynote shenanigans, media members scrambling for the best angles, and plenty of mentions of AI.