It will start on May 19 and last for two days
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| Google I/O 2026 Conference |
Google's I/O 2026 conference kicks off on May 19, and artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be the central focus.
The two-day event will be streamed live and is expected to cover updates to Gemini, Android, Chrome, and more through keynote speeches, demonstrations, and what Google calls "Dialogues," which will explore the future of AI.
Gemini AI dominated discussions at last year's conference, where Google unveiled model updates, deeper integration with Workspace, and a wave of AI-powered features across search, shopping, and other areas.
AI is expected to continue its dominance at this year's conference, along with the release of Android 17 and Google's upcoming smart glasses, according to a report by Mashable, which was reviewed by Mobi Alo.
New Gemini release
The major announcement at the conference is widely expected to be a significant update to the Gemini model.
Whether it's version 4.0 or another release, a newer, more efficient version of Google's flagship AI system is almost certain to arrive. Gemini is already used in most Google products, so any announcement will have a significant impact.
This next-generation model will define the company's entire product roadmap for the future.
It's also believed that I/O 2026 may see updates to some of Google's other AI tools, such as Nano Banana, Gemma, Lyria, and Genie, as well as the potential announcement of Veo 4, an update to Google's AI-powered video creation tool.
None of this has been confirmed, but if Veo does receive a major update, its integration with YouTube would seem a natural progression, given Google's ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its platforms.
New audio samples for "Gemini Live"
Pre-conference leaks suggest that Gemini may be getting a major audio upgrade. Forbes reports that a hidden model finder within the Google app reveals that seven new, unannounced audio models of Gemini Live are undergoing internal testing.
One of these models identified itself as "Gemini 3.1 Pro" when questioned, an evolution of the Flash Live model currently powering Gemini Live.
These models feature significant behavioral differences, including variations in memory, location access, and fact-checking capabilities. The infrastructure for switching between models appears to be in place but is not yet publicly available.
Read also : OpenAI launches ChatGPT Finance, lets you connect your bank accounts
New video editing tools
Regarding video, new leaks have revealed a new model called "Gemini Omni," a video creation tool that appears set to be available to some users before the conference.
The "Omni" model is described as capable of video merging, in-conversation editing, and creating videos using templates. It may be an evolution of Google's existing "Veo" model.
Early test footage showed strong results, but the model seems to be resource-intensive; one user reported using 86% of their daily AI Pro allowance just to create two short videos.
"Aluminium OS" operating system
Google recently offered a glimpse of its Googlebook experience at The Android Show last week. During the presentation, company representatives clarified that the AI-powered laptops will not run ChromeOS, but rather an unannounced operating system.
This hint suggests that Google's long-standing project to develop an Android-based operating system for PCs and laptops may have a significant presence at the conference.
This project is expected to combine Android and Chrome OS into a single platform, potentially called Aluminium OS.
Earlier this year, Sameer Samat, head of the Android ecosystem at Google, confirmed that the platform remains on track for a 2026 launch, contradicting court documents from Google's antitrust trial that suggested a possible 2028 release date.
Read also : Google Gemini app is now available on Mac
Android XR glasses
Google first showcased its AI-powered smart glasses as a concept at last year's I/O conference, then confirmed in December 2025 that Android XR glasses would launch in 2026.
Google is actually developing two different products under this name. The first is a screenless smart glasses equipped with a camera, speakers, and microphones for a hands-free Gemini experience—a design similar to Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
The second product is more advanced, adding a display integrated into the lenses that can show private information such as directions and translations, visible only to the user.
Both products are being developed in collaboration with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker, and run on Android XR, the same operating system that powers the Samsung Galaxy XR, which launched in October 2025.
Both versions are expected to be unveiled at Google I/O 2026.
Android XR platform
Android XR is Google's new operating system for virtual and augmented reality products.
From a developer perspective, Google's design documents reveal that the company wants interfaces to become a natural extension of how humans perceive the world.
Google I/O 2026 may be the event where developers finally get the full tools to start developing applications for this platform.
Read also : Google app with AI Mode is now available for Windows worldwide
Android 17
Google began rolling out beta versions of Android 17 in February, and the final version is expected to launch in June or July, ahead of the usual Made by Google Pixel event in August.
The beta version hasn't included many major features yet, but app bubbles—a floating window system for quick access to apps—were among the most notable additions.
The future of Google search
Google is expected to announce updates to its AI mode and AI Overviews in Google Search at the conference.
Last year, the launch of AI mode was a highlight of Google I/O.
