Google I/O 2025 is just one week away.
But, if you just can’t wait, Google held a special event on Tuesday: Android Show I/O Edition, which gave a look at some new big things headed to Android devices with the Android 16 update.
Google shared some interesting stats during the livestream. For example, there are 3 billion active Android devices around the world, making it the most popular mobile operating system. More than one billion messages are sent in the U.S. alone across all mobile devices (iOS included) using the new RCS Messaging standard, which allows Android and iOS users to easily text as one big happy family.
The real highlights, however, are in all the new features Google announced today. Here’s everything you need to know from The Android Show event.
Android 16
According to Google, Android 16 will feature the operating system’s biggest redesign in years, with a “whole new look and feel.” Material 3 Expressive brings a brand new UI to Android devices, which can be tailored to each individual user.
Android 16
Credit: Google
For example, Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive allows users to personalize everything from the device interface’s colors, fonts, and even animations. Even haptic rumbles can be connected to on-screen swipes and slides. A “refined” homescreen grid will also bring a neater, more visually pleasing app layout to users’ screens.
Another new Android 16 feature is Live Updates, which will highlight the most important notifications on the users’ lockscreen. Rideshare services, food deliveries, and navigation apps will all be prioritized in order to provide users with up-to-date information on time-sensitive events so that they aren’t pushed down the screen with less important notifications.
Google says that Pixel devices will be the first to get Android 16 when it rolls out later this year.
Wear OS 6
Google’s smartwatch operating system is also getting a big visual update in what the company is calling its “most expressive version yet.”
Watch OS 6
Credit: Google
Wear OS 6 will have a new Material 3 Expressive UI that embraces the circular screen of smartwatches and matches the on-screen visuals to the physical display shape of each smartwatch device.
Mashable Light Speed
Transitions and animations that Android users have become accustomed to will also be coming to Wear OS 6, along with a 10 percent battery improvement for smartwatches that update to the new operating system
In addition to all that, Google Assistant will be replaced with Gemini, bringing Google’s AI model to its smartwatch operating system.
Gemini across all devices
Gemini isn’t just coming to smartwatches either. Google announced that Gemini will be rolled out across all of its Android devices. That’s right, Google is bringing AI to your car, your watch, and your TV.
Gemini across all devices
Credit: Google
Google’s AI Gemini will soon be coming to Android Auto and Google Built-In cars, in order to bring AI assistant abilities to drivers without having to use their smartphone. For example, drivers can conversationally ask Gemini details about locations on their map app and Google’s AI chatbot will provide the user with real-time facts and other information based on their query.
Gemini was also announced for smart TVs, which will bring AI chatbot capabilities to users while watching their favorite movies and television shows.
Gemini on smart TVs
Credit: Google
And finally, Google teased that Gemini would be integrated into Android XR, the company’s operating system for virtual and augmented reality headsets and smartglasses.
Google also shared some new Gemini features for Android smartphones, which allow the user to screen record documents and snap photos of real-world items and then share the content with Gemini in order to receive summaries or ask questions.
Safety and Security
The new Google ‘Find Hub’ will replace Find My Device.
Credit: Google
Perhaps the biggest news from The Android Show I/O Edition is that Find My Device is no more.
Find My Device is now known as Find Hub in order to reflect that the tracking feature isn’t just for devices anymore. Find Hub can be used to check on the location of loved ones, share locations with friends and families, and more.
Google shared that they are working with new tracker tag companies such as July, which makes Bluetooth-tag embedded smart luggage. Google is also working with major airline partners so users can share their tags and track them through the airline when traveling.
Disney tracker tags
Credit: Google
Disney will also soon release its own themed tracker tags with popular Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters.
On the cybersecurity end of things, Google shared how Google Messages is continuing to get smarter when it comes to text message scams. Android’s enhanced protections have been able to detect even newer schemes, such as the recent fake E-Z Pass toll road scam.
All-in-all, there was nothing too groundbreaking announced at The Android Show I/O Edition. However, what was announced will bring some major changes and upgrades across a slew of devices in the coming months.
Google packed a lot into a roughly 30-minute event, so we can only imagine what more they have in store at Google I/O next week.
