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At this year's I/O developer conference, Google demonstrated how serious the company is about artificial intelligence. The focus was on new features related to Gemini – Google's own AI platform – and numerous updates to existing products like Chrome, Gmail, Search, and Android. Hardware was also unveiled, including new AR glasses and an XR platform. Here's an overview of all the new features.
If you want to know how Google will shape its services in the future, it's worth taking a look at I/O. This year's announcements show that almost everything revolves around AI. Gemini will be integrated more deeply into all apps, gaining new modes and features. There are also new tools for video and image creation, a redesigned search with an AI focus, and even new hardware. Compared to Apple, Google is significantly further ahead in many features – and some are already available on the iPhone.
New features of Gemini
Gemini is Google's answer to ChatGPT and Claude. At I/O, it became clear that Gemini will become a central component of almost all Google products.
- Gemini Live is now available in the iOS app. You can use the camera or screen sharing to ask questions about what you see. For example, while doing DIY, shopping, or simply want to identify something in your surroundings. Gemini Live is integrated with Google Calendar, Maps, Tasks, and Keep and is free to use.
- Gemini Agent Mode will be introduced soon. This mode will help you, for example, find sports tickets at the best price or find an apartment that meets your needs. The AI actively performs tasks for you.
- Gemini Personal Context ensures that Gemini uses your search history, calendar, emails, and other data to provide personalized answers. The AI can create reminders and proactively assist you. This feature is similar to what Apple plans to do with Siri someday—but is already significantly more advanced.
- Deep Research allows you to upload PDFs and images for analysis. Reports can be generated, and integration with Google Drive and Gmail will soon be added.
New AI offerings: AI Ultra and AI Pro
Google has introduced a new subscription called AI Ultra. It costs $250 a month and includes access to all current and upcoming AI features, including YouTube Premium and 30 TB of storage. AI Ultra is aimed more at power users or businesses. The previous subscription, Google AI Premium, is being renamed Google AI Pro and will continue to cost $19.99 a month.
Creative tools: Veo 3 and Imagen 4
Google has also been working on creative tools. Veo 3 is a new video generation model. It can now create videos with sound effects, background noises, and dialogue. Physical effects such as movement or interactions with objects are also rendered more realistically. Veo 3 is available exclusively to AI Ultra subscribers. Imagen 4 is Google's new image generation tool and is now integrated into Gemini. It creates significantly more photorealistic images, handles details like hair, fabric, or fur better, and can even incorporate text. If, for example, you need a word made from dinosaur bones, Imagen 4 can do it.
Google Search with AI mode
Google Search is also getting a major update. A new AI mode is now being introduced in the US. This doesn't just include the existing AI suggestions, but a dedicated search environment that breaks questions down into multiple parts to deliver better, more in-depth results. There's a new feature called Deep Search, which can process hundreds of queries simultaneously and analyze them in a structured manner. The AI then produces professional-quality reports, including charts and complex data analyses. AI mode also helps you with your shopping. You can virtually try on clothes based on a photo of yourself. The AI shows you how the material drapes and how the garment would look on your body. Price comparisons, purchase suggestions, and deal alerts are also integrated. The shopping features will be available in the next few months.
- Google Search Live will also be launched this summer. This lets you ask questions about objects in your surroundings directly using your smartphone's camera – similar to Gemini Live, but integrated into Google Search.
Updates for Google Apps
- Starting this summer, Gmail will be getting Gemini Personal Context. This will allow AI to analyze emails, recognize tone and style, and help you write—adapted to your previous wording, favorite words, and context from other Google services.
- Google Meet is getting a live translation feature. Initially, it will work for English and Spanish, with more languages to follow. It's available for users with AI Pro and AI Ultra.
- Google Chrome now has Gemini integration. You can ask questions about what you're currently doing or what's happening in open tabs. Even complex web pages can be analyzed and summarized. Additionally, Chrome will be able to automatically change compromised passwords for participating sites.
Android XR and the new smart glasses
Google is launching Android XR – a platform for augmented reality and virtual reality. It was originally developed for headsets, but has now also been adapted for AR glasses. At I/O, a new pair of glasses with an in-lens display was shown. They show live translations, navigation, and other information directly in the field of vision. The glasses have cameras, microphones, and speakers. They are connected to Gemini and can see, hear, and react. The AI recognizes objects, provides directions, and answers questions about the environment. The glasses are to be developed in collaboration with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. They are intended to be lightweight, suitable for everyday use, and stylish. Samsung will release the first XR headset with Android XR this year. Samsung is also planning its own AR glasses.
FireSat: Early warning system for fires
Google is also working on a feature called FireSat, which can detect fires in an area of up to 270 square meters. This could be particularly useful in California, where Google is headquartered.
Google's AI offensive is gaining momentum
Google is serious about AI – at every level. The integration of Gemini into almost all products shows where things are headed: more context, more automation, more personalized support. At the same time, new services, platforms, and hardware are emerging that are designed to make AI even more present in everyday life. Anyone who wants to know what AI will look like in the coming years should take a close look at what Google unveiled today. (Image: Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto)
