Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Google AI Studio can now create comprehensive Android applications from a text prompt.

There’s a bit more for fans of AI-generated images with Google Pics.

Google I/O 2026 is in progress, and Google is revealing an extensive array of Workspace enhancements. Features like Gmail Live, Docs Live, and voice capabilities in Keep are on the horizon, allowing users to converse with the AI to create documents or locate items in their email. Google Pics is a new application coming to Workspace, built on its Nano Banana model to provide users with “accurate” control over modifications in their AI-generated images.

As I/O 2026 unfolds, Google’s wave of features dives into the Workspace environment to showcase the various ways its AI aims to assist.

Right from the start, Google announces that Gemini Spark, its latest personal AI agent, will be available on Workspace users’ devices. Whether you’re a Google AI or Workspace business customer, Gemini Spark is a digital assistant capable of performing tasks on your behalf—fitting its “agentic AI” designation. The company hints that the AI in Workspace applications can draft emails for you or add events to your schedule. Furthermore, Workspace business users can anticipate the arrival of Gemini Spark in the Gemini app “in the near future.”

Additionally, voice features are arriving at Gmail. This is something users are already familiar with, thanks to Gemini on Android. Google is elevating this experience, announcing that “Gmail Live” is forthcoming. Users will be able to inquire with Gmail Live about their flight’s gate number and any other relevant information. In a similar vein, “Docs Live” is the Google Docs variant, capable of listening to your speech and arranging your ideas into a well-structured document.

With additional permissions, Docs Live can utilize information from Gmail, Drive, Chat, and web searches to enrich your document. Google Keep is also set to benefit from these voice features. The announcement mentions that users can speak freely, and Keep will operate “in the background” to convert their musings into organized lists.

Voice features in Gmail, Docs, and Keep are set to roll out this summer for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, along with a “preview” for Workspace Business.

Google Pics introduces itself

What’s an I/O announcement without a fresh app? For enthusiasts of Google’s Nano Banana AI image generator, Google Pics could be the app they’ve been seeking. The company declares, “Creating with AI ought to feel like creative guidance, not a gamble.” Within Google Pics, users will discover “creative controls” to steer the AI, ensuring it produces their envisioned output.

Post generation, users can modify specific aspects of the image. They’ll have access to removal tools, resizing options, and transformation features. Altering one element of the generated image won’t impact another (unless you select it for change). Text becomes more adaptable as well, enabling users to choose any generated text and translate it into another language or modify the font.

Google Pics isn’t merely a standalone app. It will seamlessly integrate with Workspace, enabling image editing in Slides or Docs with the same ease as in the primary Pics app.

You won’t have to wait long, as Google Pics is available today (May 19) for a select group of Trusted Testers. However, later this summer, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can expect its launch, with Workspace Business users seeing it “in preview.”

A bit for AI Inbox

You may recall Google’s official introduction of Gmail’s AI Inbox back in early April. This feature was designed to spotlight important messages amidst the chaos and clutter of our emails. Critical items such as bills, appointments, and more are highlighted, but users can request the AI to surface something specific through a written query.

During I/O, Google announced enhancements for the AI Inbox. Currently rolling out are “personalized drafts.” If there’s an urgent message in your inbox that requires immediate attention, AI Inbox will notify you and provide a generated “contextual draft” in advance to assist. Users can review this AI-generated message, and if satisfied, they can send it. If an email from a client or colleague involves a file, users will not need to dive into the app themselves. When AI Inbox gives its summary, it will include a link to that file, so users can access it more quickly.

Maintaining calm and clarity is essential, allowing users to mark tasks as “done.” You can also dismiss an unhelpful suggestion from the AI or mark emails “in a certain topic” as read, to keep it out of your mind.

Now, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers are gaining access to AI Inbox in the U.S. today (May 19).

Gemini Omni has the potential to render conventional video editing tools obsolete.

**Genie Collaborates with Google Maps for a Transformed AI Experience**

In a revolutionary step, Google has revealed the fusion of its Project Genie with Google Maps’ Street View, ushering in a fresh chapter of AI-enhanced interactions. This pioneering blend empowers users to reinterpret real-world sites with a creative flair, turning well-known locations into fantastical scenery.

**Essential Information:**

– **Project Genie and Google Maps:** Google’s Project Genie is continually advancing, now joining forces with Google Maps’ Street View. This combination enables users to choose a location in the U.S. and visualize it through AI suggestions, such as depicting Chicago as a desert.
– **Launch Date:** The new Street View functionality is being introduced to AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. beginning May 19.
– **Imaginative Discovery:** Users can construct fictitious realms based on actual locations. This feature amplifies the creative possibilities of Google Maps, facilitating distinctive visual journeys.

**The Prospects of AI and Maps:**

This collaboration signifies a crucial milestone in Google’s AI aspirations, merging the generative capabilities of Genie with the real-life visuals of Street View. Users can navigate and engage with these AI-created worlds, providing an insight into the future of digital mapping and AI innovation.

As Google advances this feature, the opportunities for creative discovery and interactive engagement expand, setting the stage for a new age of AI-driven advancements.

Samsung’s anticipated newcomer in the Galaxy Z Fold lineup, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, is projected to be a strong rival to the Motorola Razr Fold. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is expected to showcase a broader, nearly square-like aspect ratio, enhancing ergonomics for tasks such as reading and browsing the web. It is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and could be priced lower than the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Razr Fold.

On the flip side, the Motorola Razr Fold represents Motorola’s inaugural book-style foldable, featuring attributes like an IP49 rating, impressive camera specifications, and a substantial 6,000mAh battery. It is competitively priced and provides a smoother outer display with a 165Hz refresh rate, in addition to stylus support.

Though the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is set to possess a more ergonomic aspect ratio, it may only come equipped with two rear cameras and a smaller battery in comparison to the Razr Fold. The Razr Fold features include a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. Additionally, the Razr Fold supports rapid charging through 80W wired and 50W wireless options.

Regarding software, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is predicted to operate on One UI 9 based on Android 17, while the Razr Fold utilizes Android 16 with the Hello UX skin. The Razr Fold promises seven years of OS updates; however, Samsung’s One UI is recognized for its refined experience and various AI features.

In conclusion, both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the Motorola Razr Fold possess their unique advantages, and the decision between the two may ultimately hinge on personal preference and specific feature priorities.

Google I/O 2026 predominantly focused on Gemini, yet this year’s AI enhancements truly seem to offer real-world value.

Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence platform, is experiencing a substantial evolution with the launch of new features aimed at improving user interaction across a range of devices. The most recent updates encompass the Daily Brief, desktop integrations, and Android Halo support, each providing distinct functionalities to simplify daily operations and boost productivity.

The Daily Brief feature delivers a customized morning summary that leverages information from Gmail and Calendar to offer users significant updates, forthcoming events, and actionable insights. This feature is intended to organize and prioritize information according to user objectives, providing suggestions for subsequent actions and enabling users to give feedback to refine the experience over time. It is anticipated to be available for Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Gemini Spark, a fresh component of the macOS ecosystem, will facilitate automation of workflows related to local files and desktop activities. This integration aims to improve efficiency by streamlining intricate processes and is expected to launch later this summer.

Android Halo, another groundbreaking feature, is crafted to keep users updated on ongoing AI tasks without interrupting their workflow. It will present live status updates from AI agents at the top of the display, allowing users to oversee tasks effortlessly. This feature will be compatible with Gemini Spark and other AI agents, with expanded functionalities expected for devices running on Gemini Intelligence.

In summary, these updates reflect Google’s dedication to transforming Gemini into a more proactive and integrated element of users’ digital experiences, providing tools that not only conserve time but also enrich the overall user experience.

Google has introduced its newest AI model, Gemini 3.5 Flash, which is set to greatly improve AI speed and efficiency. This fresh model is being implemented worldwide across various platforms, including the Gemini app, AI Mode in Google Search, Google AI Studio, Android Studio, and enterprise platforms. Gemini 3.5 Flash is engineered to manage intricate workflows and multi-step tasks more effectively than earlier models, surpassing Gemini 3.1 Pro in numerous coding and reasoning evaluations such as Terminal-Bench 2.1, GDPval-AA, and MCP Atlas.

The model is reported to produce responses four times quicker than competing AI systems while preserving top-tier performance. It shines in “long-horizon” tasks, which demand sustained reasoning across many steps, rendering it especially advantageous for developers and financial teams. Google is also embedding the model into consumer products, with the launch of Gemini Spark, a personal AI agent that assists in managing digital assignments.

Although Gemini 3.5 Flash is now available, the Pro version remains under testing and is anticipated to be released next month. As AI systems gain greater autonomy, Google underscores the necessity of safety, asserting that Gemini 3.5 was created under its Frontier Safety Framework to bolster cyber protections and diminish harmful responses.

Gemini Spark represents Google’s most significant advancement towards proactive AI agents.

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