At Google’s virtual “Android Show: I/O Edition” event on Tuesday, several upcoming updates and features were announced. This includes improved Gemini Intelligence features, new hardware like Googlebooks, Android enhancements such as vibe-coded widgets, Gemini in Chrome, and new emojis.
These features precede Google’s upcoming developer conference this month, primarily focusing on AI, similar to last year.
Here are all of Google’s announcements presented:
**Googlebooks**
Google introduced Googlebooks, a new line of laptops centered on Gemini. In collaboration with partners like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, the first Googlebooks will be available in various forms. These laptops, launching this fall, are made for Gemini Intelligence, providing personalized and proactive assistance.
Features include “Magic Pointer,” a unique Gemini-powered cursor, Android phone compatibility to run apps from phones on the Googlebook, and custom widget creation.
Google also unveiled a “Create My Widget” feature enabling users to vibe-code custom widgets. Initially launching on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer, users can create widgets using natural language. For instance, asking for “three high-protein meal prep recipes each week” generates a custom dashboard for the home screen.
**Updates to Android Auto**
Android Auto will undergo significant personalization, featuring widgets and an edge-to-edge interface adaptable to any screen shape. Users can employ widgets to monitor important information while navigating. Media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify will feature redesigned interfaces for easier in-car use.
For the first time, Android Auto will support 60fps full HD video on apps like YouTube, in select cars including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo later this year.
Gemini is now integrated with Android Auto, enabling hands-free inquiries about various topics while driving. Users can also place food orders through DoorDash from their car.
**3D Emoji**
Google is enhancing all 4,000 Android emojis to reflect more accurately their real-life counterparts, offering more expressiveness and realism. These updates will launch later this year.
**Features for Creators**
Android is introducing “Screen Reactions,” allowing simultaneous recording of the user and their screen, reminiscent of formats on TikTok and Instagram Reels. This feature starts on Pixel devices this summer.
Google has teamed with Meta to offer Android users features like Ultra HDR, native stabilization, and night mode on Instagram. The capture-to-upload pipeline has been optimized for maintaining quality post-upload. Additionally, new tools like “smart enhance” for photo upscaling and “sound separation” to isolate sounds are available in Meta’s Edit app, exclusively on Android.
**Gemini’s Agentic Features**
Through Gemini Intelligence, the assistant can transfer data from one app to perform multi-step operations in other apps. For example, a photo of an event flyer can prompt the assistant to locate that event on Expedia. When viewing a grocery list, the assistant can build a shopping cart in the user’s chosen app.
**Gemini in Chrome**
Now available on Android, Gemini in Chrome allows users to summarize and inquire about web page content, following its iOS and desktop introduction. Android users can also experiment with auto-browse for site navigation and task completion like booking tickets.
**Form Filling**
Gemini will use Personal Intelligence data to assist with filling complex forms on mobile via an opt-in feature.
**Dictation**
Gboard introduces “Rambler,” converting speech to clean text by removing fillers like “um” and understanding revisions like “Let’s meet at 3 PM… um, 2 PM” to yield “Let’s meet at 2 PM.”
**Extended AirDrop Support**
After enabling Quick Share for Pixel phones and iPhones last year by integrating AirDrop, Google is expanding this feature to other brands like Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor. Devices without compatibility can use Quick Share via a QR code to share via the cloud. Google also plans to integrate Quick Share into apps like WhatsApp soon.
**Easier iPhone to Android Transfer**
Google will soon facilitate iOS-to-Android transfers for passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, eSIM, and home screen layouts. This will be available on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices within the year.
**Pause Point**
An upcoming Android feature allows users to pause when opening distractive apps. A 10-second break encourages alternate activities, like reading via Google Play Books. Users can also set a timer to limit app usage.
**Improved Threat Protection Features**
Google will extend theft protection features like Remote Lock and Theft Detection globally for new Android 17 devices and those upgrading to the latest OS. These features are already tested in Brazil and available for selected Android versions in markets like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the U.K. Pixel users with updated software and Advanced Protection Mode can access Intrusion Logging for investigating spyware attacks or security breaches.
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