At Google’s virtual Android Show: I/O Edition event on Tuesday, the tech giant announced a number of upcoming updates and features, including improved Gemini Intelligence features. new hardware called Googlebook. and other Android improvements like vibe-encoded widgets, Gemini in Chrome, and new emoji.
The features come ahead of Google’s annual developer conference this month, which will focus heavily on artificial intelligence, just like last year.
Below, we’ve rounded up all of Google’s announcements for you right here.
Googlebook
Google has unveiled the Googlebook, its new line of laptops built with Gemini at their core. The tech giant is working with partners like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo to make the first Googlebooks in various shapes and sizes.
The company says Googlebooks, launching this fall, are the first notebooks designed from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence to deliver personalized and proactive assistance.
The laptops will ship with the “Magic Pointer,” a new kind of cursor with built-in Gemini. compatibility with Android phones that will allow users to use apps from their phone directly from their Googlebook. the ability to create custom graphics. and more.
Google has unveiled a new ‘Create My Widget’ feature that allows users to code their own custom widgets. The feature will first roll out to the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones this summer.
Users will be able to create widgets by describing what they want using natural language. For example, you could ask the feature to “suggest three high-protein meal prep recipes each week” in order to get a custom dashboard that you can add and resize to your home screen.
Updates to Android Auto
Android Auto gets a refresh that brings more personalization, widgets and an edge-to-edge experience to your dashboard to fit any screen, be it ultra-wide angle, circle or unique shape. Users can add widgets that let them see the things that matter most at a glance, even when using navigation.
Media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify also get redesigned interfaces aimed at making them easier to use in the car.
Additionally, for the first time on Android Auto, you’ll be able to watch videos on apps like YouTube in 60 fps full HD in supported cars later this year, starting with BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata and Volvo.
Google said Gemini is now widely available on Android Auto, allowing drivers to ask questions, brainstorm ideas or learn about things hands-free while on the road. The company also said users will be able to order food from the car, starting with DoorDash.
3D Emojis
Google announced that all 4,000 Android emojis have been refined to be more true to how they actually are. Coming later this year, the new emoji are designed to feel less flat and more expressive and real.
Features for creators
Android is launching a “Screen Reactions” feature that records you and your screen at the same time, a format often seen on TikTok and Instagram Reels. The feature will first roll out to Pixel devices this summer.
Google has also partnered with Meta to bring the best of Instagram to its Android devices, including Ultra HDR, native stabilization, and night mode. Additionally, the company has optimized the download bar for uploading to ensure your photos and videos stay sharp when you post them.
The tech giant is bringing new tools to its Android-exclusive Meta Editing app, including “smart enhancement” for enhanced photos and “audio separation” for boosting and removing sounds.
The representative characteristics of Gemini
Under Gemini Intelligence, the assistant will be able to receive data from one app and perform multi-step operations across apps. For example, you can take a photo of an event flyer and ask the assistant to find that event on sites like Expedia.
With this feature, users could also call the assistant with their grocery list on the screen and ask it to create a cart based on those items in the shopping app of their choice.
Gemini in Chrome
The company is now bringing Gemini to Chrome on Android, following earlier versions on iOS and desktop, allowing users to summarize content or ask questions about what they’re seeing on the web page. Android users will also get an experimental auto-browser feature that can browse websites and complete tasks like booking a ticket on a user’s behalf.
Form filling
Gemini will be able to use data from Personal Intelligence to help users fill out complex forms on mobile through an opt-in feature.
Dictate
Google has released a new feature on Gboard called Rambler that turns your speech into clear text — similar to apps like Wispr Flow and Monologue. The feature removes filler words like “ums” and “ahs” and also understands when you say “Let’s meet at 3 pm … um, 2 pm” and posts “Let’s meet at 2pm” as the final result.
Extended AirDrop support
Last year, Google added a way for Pixel phones to share photos and files with iPhones, making Quick Share work with AirDrop. The company said that this year, the feature will be available to users of other smartphone companies, including Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor.
Additionally, if you don’t have a compatible device, you can use Quick Share on any device to generate a QR code, which will allow you to share files on your iPhone via the cloud.
Additionally, Google said that soon users will be able to access Quick Share which is available in apps like WhatsApp.
Easier transfer from iPhone to Android
Google plans to introduce a new iOS to Android port that lets you import your passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, eSIM and home screen layout from your iPhone to your new Android phone. This feature will roll out to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices this year.
Pause Point
A new Android feature will let you pause when launching an app you’ve marked as one of your distractions. Before you can scroll, play, or do anything else that wastes your time, you’ll have to take a 10-second break and be faced with other choices you could make — like launching the Google Play Books app to read. You can also optionally set a timer that blocks you from using the app before you dive.
Improved threat protection features
Google is also expanding its default theft protection to all Android users worldwide after earlier testing in Brazil. The features will be enabled by default on all new Android 17 devices, as well as devices that have been recently restored or upgraded to the latest OS.
When enabled, features like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock will be automatically enabled, and Google reduces the number of times a thief can try to guess your PIN or password. There will also be longer waiting times between failed attempts. Law enforcement will now be able to access a device’s IMEI from the lock screen on Android 12 and above, allowing them to quickly verify ownership of a device in the event of theft.
Additionally, theft protection will be extended to devices running Android 10 and later in select markets, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom
Pixel users with updated software and Advanced Protection Mode enabled now get intrusion logging, a security feature that helps investigate suspected spyware attacks and device tampering.
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