Google’s annual developer gathering is about to arrive, taking place May 20 and 21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. As usual, a stream of announcements about Google products is expected, with updates spanning Android, Chrome, Google Search, YouTube, and especially the Gemini AI chatbot.
AI technology continues to be a core area of focus for Google, and hints point to the reveal of a refreshed Gemini Ultra model during the event. An updated Gemini Ultra could lead to new subscription options, like Premium Plus and Premium Pro, joining the current Gemini Advanced offering at twenty dollars per month.
Spotlight on Gemini and Android 16
Although the exact features of the new plans remain secret, they are likely to be part of an expanded Gemini suite targeting users seeking advanced AI tools. The company may also introduce enhancements to its projects Astra and Mariner, aimed at creating intelligent apps and virtual “agents” capable of real time, multi-sensory understanding and navigation across the web.
Developers have discovered early hints about “Computer Use” inside the code for AI Studio, which could connect directly to Project Mariner. Alongside Gemini, Android 16 will be a major talking point, getting a standalone spotlight in the newly announced Android Show one week before I/O.
Android 16 promises improvements like smarter notifications and a fresh design approach known as Material 3 Expressive, which emphasizes dynamic, interactive elements. Other anticipated upgrades include Auracast support for easier Bluetooth transitions, lock screen widgets, and several new accessibility tools.
New features are also on the way for Android XR, meant for mixed reality experiences, and Wear OS, Google’s wrist-worn ecosystem. Outside the headlines, sessions will cover Chrome, Google Cloud, Google Play, and Android development, highlighting Google’s deep investment in its software platforms.
Attendees can also expect fresh AI surprises similar to last year’s LearnLM reveal, aimed at educational use. Rumors suggest updates to the NotebookLM podcast tool and a Video Overviews feature, likely powered by the Veo 2 model, that might soon offer instant video summaries.
