Key takeaways from Google I/O 2025 you shouldn’t miss

Google I/O is Google’s annual developer conference where the US tech giant unveils its most significant updates across software, AI, hardware, and developer tools. 

Held each spring, the event sets the tone for the company’s roadmap for the year ahead. 

From advancements in Android and AI to cutting-edge tools for creators and businesses, Google I/O has become a hub for innovation. 

However, the 2025 edition is a bit different — it’s all about AI. The conference was packed with next-gen Gemini features, immersive XR tech, and AI integrations that hint at a more intuitive digital future. 

Here’s a look at the biggest announcements that are set to shape the year ahead.

Gemini 2.5: Smarter, sharper, and more human

Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of version 2.5. This update brings enhanced reasoning capabilities and a more human-like interaction experience. 

One of the standout features is “Deep Think,” which allows Gemini to evaluate multiple hypotheses before providing an answer, making it particularly adept at handling complex queries. 

Additionally, the new “Flash” model offers faster responses for everyday tasks, ensuring users get quick and accurate information when they need it most. 

Gemini Live now integrates seamlessly with users’ cameras and screens, enabling real-time interactions and contextual assistance. For instance, you can point your camera at an object, and Gemini will provide relevant information or suggestions based on what it sees. 

This level of integration extends to other Google services as well, such as Calendar and Maps, allowing for a more cohesive and intuitive user experience. 

AI Subscriptions: Pro and Ultra plans

Google has unveiled two new AI subscription plans designed to cater to different user needs: Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra. 

The Pro plan, priced at $19.99 per month, offers enhanced features within the Gemini app, including access to advanced tools like Flow for AI-assisted filmmaking and NotebookLM for note-taking and organisation. Subscribers also benefit from early access to Gemini features in Chrome, providing a more integrated browsing experience. 

For power users and enterprises, the Ultra plan is available at $249.99 per month. This premium subscription includes all Pro features, along with exclusive access to cutting-edge tools like Veo 3 for high-quality video generation and Imagen 4 for detailed image creation. T

The Ultra plan also offers higher usage limits and priority access to new features, making it ideal for professionals who rely heavily on AI tools in their workflows. 

Imagen 4 and Veo 3: Next-gen creative AI

Google continues to push the boundaries of creative AI with the introduction of Imagen 4 and Veo 3. 

Imagen 4 is the latest iteration of Google’s image generation model, capable of producing high-resolution images up to 2K with remarkable detail and accuracy. 

It’s particularly adept at handling text within images, making it useful for creating posters, cards, and comics. 

Veo 3, on the other hand, is a powerful video generation tool that can produce high-quality videos complete with synchronised audio, including background sounds and character dialogue. 

These tools are integrated into Google’s new AI filmmaking platform, Flow, allowing creators to generate cinematic scenes from natural language descriptions. 

With these advancements, Google is providing artists and content creators with powerful tools to bring their visions to life more efficiently than ever before.

Android XR: Smart Glasses and Immersive Tools

Google’s entry into extended reality (XR) has materialised with the introduction of Android XR, a platform designed for smart glasses and immersive experiences. 

Developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, Android XR aims to provide context-aware, intelligent interactions through wearable devices. 

The new smart glasses feature built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers, allowing users to access apps and information without needing to take out their phones. 

An optional in-lens display provides private, timely information directly in the user’s field of view. Google is also partnering with eyewear brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to ensure the glasses are both functional and stylish. 

AI Mode in search and Google Beam

Google Search is evolving with the introduction of AI Mode, transforming the traditional search experience into a more interactive and conversational interface. 

This new mode leverages the capabilities of the Gemini chatbot to provide more nuanced and contextually relevant search results. 

Users can engage in a dialogue with the search engine, refining their queries and receiving more tailored information.

 Additionally, Google has rebranded its Project Starline as Google Beam, a 3D video calling technology that integrates advanced 3D communication hardware into HP devices. Beam aims to make virtual meetings more immersive and lifelike, enhancing remote collaboration experiences. 

These innovations underscore Google’s commitment to embedding AI across its ecosystem to create smarter, more personalized user experiences.

AI Shopping: Try before you buy, virtually

Google is changing online shopping with new AI features that make the experience more personal and interactive.

One key feature is the virtual try-on tool, which lets users upload a full-length photo of themselves to see how clothes, like shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts, would look on them. 

This tool uses advanced AI to understand body shapes and how different fabrics fit, giving users a realistic view of the clothing.

Another feature is the enhanced AI Mode in Google Search. This allows users to describe what they’re looking for, like a waterproof travel bag, and get personalized recommendations. 

The AI performs multiple searches at once to find products with desired features, such as waterproof material and extra pockets.

Google is also introducing an agentic checkout feature. Users can track product prices based on their preferences, and when certain conditions are met, they can allow Google to complete purchases for them automatically using Google Pay. 

These features aim to make online shopping easier and more user-friendly using Google Pay. These innovations aim to streamline and personalize the online shopping experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly.