Google I/O is only a couple weeks away, however consistent with a semi-recent custom, the oldsters over in Mountain View are kicking issues off early by stay streaming the Android Present: I/O Version on Might 12 at 1PM ET/10 AM PT.
Whereas Google hasn’t launched many particulars about what it is planning to point out off, the corporate says 2026 “goes to be one of many largest years for Android but.” Presently, we’re anticipating to listen to extra concerning the subsequent large replace to Android (model 17) together with some AI upgrades and possibly even some peaks at upcoming {hardware}. Gemini and agentic AI is anticipated to be a serious theme for this yr (although Google could save a lot of that information for I/O correct) whereas rumors counsel we might see new options like the flexibility to remap gaming controllers and running apps in bubbles for improved multitasking. There has additionally been some main rumblings about combining Android and ChromeOS into a single unified platform.
Moreover, after revealing Android XR at I/O final yr, I am hoping to listen to much more data about Google’s upcoming batch of smartglasses. The corporate has already introduced partnerships with present eyewear makers together with Warby Parker and Mild Monster, and after getting an opportunity to try out some of Google’s early reference designs, I believe 2026 is shaping as much as be a breakout year for smartglasses as a whole. Alternatively, for anybody who’s getting fed up with an excessive amount of AI information, the Android Present might be a welcome breakout for many who care extra about {hardware} and software program than machine studying.
The most effective half is that Google is streaming the occasion totally free on YouTube and the main Android homepage. So put a reminder in your calendar and examine again subsequent week for all of our in-depth protection of all the things Android on Might 12.
