Google's Big AI Push at I/O

Google is gearing up for its annual developer conference, I/O, and this year, artificial intelligence is taking center stage. The event, starting on Tuesday, is expected to showcase how Google is integrating AI into its products, especially Gemini. This focus on AI isn't new. Over the past few years, Google has been steadily shifting its attention towards AI, with the CEO mentioning it numerous times in previous keynotes. This trend isn't unique to Google; many tech companies are racing to incorporate AI into their offerings. Google's latest design language, Material You Expressive, was unveiled before the conference, hinting that the main event will be all about AI. This design update is significant, as it's the biggest change to Android's look in years. However, it's not the star of the show. Instead, Google is likely to highlight how AI is enhancing its products, from the XR platform to everyday apps like Chrome, Gmail, and Meet. This shift in focus raises questions about what this means for Android updates. In the past, Android updates were a big deal at I/O. But lately, Google has been rolling out new features through Google Play and app updates, making them available to more users faster. This approach has its benefits, as it ensures that users don't have to wait for a major OS update to access new features. However, it also means that the latest Android OS might not get as much attention at I/O. This year, Google is sticking to a new schedule for Android 16, with a major release in Q2 and a minor one in Q4. This change could help more devices take advantage of new features, but it also raises questions about the future of Android updates. While Google has been successful in shipping AI features, there's a risk that this year's I/O could feel like a repeat of the past two years. Both software and hardware from various tech companies have been heavily focused on AI, with many features still in the preview stage. It remains to be seen whether Google can deliver on its AI promises and avoid the pitfalls that other companies have faced. One thing is clear: Google is all in on AI, and I/O is set to be a major showcase of its AI ambitions.