Google’s Whirlwind Week: A Recap of Announcements Preceding I/O

The past week has been a flurry of activity in the Google ecosystem, with a volume of announcements rivaling the excitement typically reserved for Google I/O. With Google I/O just 72 days away, let’s delve into the significant updates and unveilings, presented in alphabetical order, to provide a comprehensive overview of Google’s recent endeavors.

9to5Google Newsletter Reboot: 9to5Google has revitalized its newsletter, aiming to provide in-depth coverage of the most important Google stories. The revamped newsletter will feature insightful commentary and exclusive tidbits, offering a deeper understanding of the Google landscape.

Android 15 QPR2: The second Quarterly Platform Release for Android 15 is packed with new features and improvements. Notable additions include enhanced "Modes" functionality, allowing for greater customization of device behavior based on context, and a "Notification Cooldown" feature, designed to reduce notification fatigue by intelligently managing and prioritizing alerts.

Android Auto: Embracing Gaming: Google is expanding the capabilities of Android Auto by introducing support for full-fledged games. This will provide users with entertainment options during charging sessions or while waiting in their vehicles, transforming idle time into engaging experiences.

Android Widgets: Spotlight Week for Developers: Google recently hosted "Spotlight Week" for Android widget developers, focusing on optimizing widget design and functionality. This initiative revealed upcoming features, including the arrival of lockscreen widgets in Android 16 QPR1. Google is also exploring the possibility of stackable widgets, allowing users to organize and access multiple widgets in a streamlined manner. Google also provided guidance on creating high-quality widgets and maximizing their discoverability on the Play Store.

Find My Device: Evolution and Rebranding Potential: Google is unifying its "Device" finding and "People" location sharing features within the Find My Device ecosystem. This integrated approach necessitates a potential rebranding of the app, as the current name may no longer accurately reflect its broadened functionality. Given that "Find My" is already a trademark of Apple, Google needs to come up with an original title. A good suggestion would have a catchy name that still implies its utility in locating lost devices and people.

Gboard: Enhancements for Voice Input and Key Design: Gboard is receiving updates to improve its voice input capabilities, including the addition of a dedicated voice toolbar on phones. Additionally, Google is experimenting with alternative key shapes, such as circle and pill-shaped keys, to enhance the typing experience and potentially improve ergonomics.

Gemini App: Integration with iPhone Ecosystem: The Gemini app for iPhone is deepening its integration with the iOS ecosystem, gaining support for lockscreen widgets, Control Center access, and Shortcuts, including Action Button support. This allows users to quickly and easily access Gemini’s features and capabilities from various locations within the iPhone interface.

Gemini Overlay: Interactive Conversations with Visual Content: The Gemini overlay feature is expanding to enable live conversations about images, files, and YouTube videos on Pixel 6 and later devices. This allows users to engage in interactive discussions about visual content, leveraging Gemini’s AI capabilities to provide context, insights, and assistance.

Gemini Apps: Rebranding and Enhanced AI Power: Google is rebranding "Gemini Extensions" as "Gemini Apps," signaling a shift towards a more unified and streamlined experience. These apps are now powered by the experimental 2.0 Flash Thinking model, at least for Workspace users, promising enhanced AI capabilities and improved performance.

Gemini Live: Early Access to Astra-Powered Video and Screen Sharing: Google surprised users by launching Astra-powered video and screen sharing in Gemini Live on Android for Advanced subscribers earlier than anticipated. This feature, which was initially expected in May, provides advanced users with early access to cutting-edge AI-powered communication tools. The wide (free) launch is still expected in May.

Google Calendar: Gemini Integration: Google Calendar is receiving a Gemini side panel, providing users with AI-powered assistance for scheduling, managing appointments, and optimizing their time. This integration allows users to leverage Gemini’s capabilities to streamline their calendar workflows.

Google Clock: Timer Starter Widget on Pixel Phones: Pixel phone users are getting a new Timer Starter widget for Google Clock, allowing them to quickly and easily initiate timers from their home screen. This provides a convenient way to manage timed activities and tasks without having to open the Clock app.

Google Fi: RCS Support on iOS 18.4: Google Fi is bringing RCS (Rich Communication Services) support to iOS 18.4, enabling richer messaging experiences for Fi users on iPhones. This will include features such as improved media sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators, bridging the gap between Android and iOS messaging.

Google Maps: Android 16 Live Updates: Google Maps will support live updates in Android 16, providing users with real-time information and dynamic adjustments to navigation routes based on current conditions. This will improve the accuracy and reliability of Google Maps, ensuring users have access to the most up-to-date information.

Google Messages + Phone: Enhanced Scam Detection: Google is bolstering its scam detection capabilities in Google Messages and Phone, aiming to protect users from fraudulent calls and messages. This will leverage AI and machine learning to identify and flag suspicious activity, helping users avoid falling victim to scams.

Google Photos: Enhanced Features for Sharing and Memories: Google Photos is receiving updates to its Digital Frame support, allowing users to display their favorite photos on smart displays and other devices. Additionally, the ability to share screenshots and other content with partners is returning, providing users with greater flexibility in sharing their memories.

Google Search: AI Mode for Power Users: Google is introducing an "AI Mode" to Search, designed for power users who seek deeper insights and more comprehensive results. This experimental feature, currently in testing for Google One AI Premium subscribers, leverages AI to provide more nuanced and relevant search results.

Pixel 9 Pro: Award Recognition: The Pixel 9 Pro has already received recognition, winning the "Smartphone of the Year" award at MWC 2025, a tongue-in-cheek reference indicating its anticipated success. Gemini also received the "Breakthrough Device Innovation" award.

Pixel Camera 9.8: Rolling Out Improvements: Pixel Camera 9.8 is starting to roll out, bringing various improvements and refinements to the camera experience on Pixel devices. These updates may include enhanced image processing, improved low-light performance, and new features.

Pixel Feature Drop: Satellite Connectivity and AI-Powered Creativity: The latest Pixel Feature Drop includes expanded Satellite SOS support, allowing users to connect to emergency services via satellite in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. Carrier satellite messaging is also included. Pixel Studio will be able to generate new people in image.

Pixel Watch Feature Drop: Health and Wellness Enhancements: The Pixel Watch Feature Drop introduces improved step tracking accuracy and expands menstrual health tracking capabilities. The Pixel Watch 3 also gains Loss of Pulse Detection, enhancing its ability to monitor user health.

Wear OS 5.1: Rolling Out on Pixel Watch 2 and 3: Wear OS 5.1 is starting to roll out on Pixel Watch 2 and 3 (Wi-Fi models), bringing various improvements and new features. These may include performance optimizations, battery life improvements, and new functionalities.

YouTube Premium Lite: Stripped-Down Subscription: YouTube is experimenting with "YouTube Premium Lite," a subscription tier that removes YouTube ads but does not include YouTube Music. This provides users with a more affordable option for ad-free viewing on YouTube.

This week’s announcements from Google showcase a diverse range of initiatives, from enhancing core Android features to expanding the capabilities of AI-powered services like Gemini. These updates provide a glimpse into Google’s ongoing efforts to innovate and improve user experiences across its ecosystem, setting the stage for potentially even bigger reveals at Google I/O.