Google’s I/O 2026 conference unveiled a wave of major updates, moving far beyond the usual product refreshes. At the two-hour event, the company introduced what it calls the biggest overhaul of Google Search in 25 years, launched a personal AI assistant, reinvented video editing, revealed smart glasses in two versions, and redefined how Android apps are built. Nearly every headline feature is powered by Gemini-Google’s new AI model family-ushering in fresh models, interfaces, and subscription plans. Here are the 12 standout announcements from the show.
Gemini Omni: the multimodal AI model
Google debuted Gemini Omni, a multimodal AI model that processes text, images, audio, and video inputs. The first iteration is Omni Flash, a lightweight version nicknamed ”Nano Banana” for video tasks. This model enables voice-controlled video editing-users can describe changes aloud, and the AI applies them while preserving scene physics, characters, and storytelling continuity across edits.
SynthID verification integrated into Google Search
Google integrated SynthID marker verification directly into Search-including Google Lens, AI Mode, and Circle to Search-to combat AI-generated misinformation. Alongside, the system now checks C2PA metadata. Support rolls out first in the Gemini app, with Search receiving it later. Notable partners behind SynthID include Nvidia, OpenAI, Kakao, and ElevenLabs.
Gemini 3.5 Flash release and capabilities
Introducing Gemini 3.5 Flash, the newest member of the Gemini family. It matches the capabilities of the 3.1 Pro model but runs faster at a slightly higher price point than earlier Flash versions. Google teased Gemini 3.5 Pro but kept its details under wraps. The 3.5 Flash is already live in the Gemini app and powers the AI Mode in Google Search. Developers can access it via the Antigravity platform and Gemini API through Google AI Studio and Android Studio.
Gemini app redesign: Neural Expressive interface
The Gemini app for iOS and Android received a fresh look called Neural Expressive. Expect new animations, revamped color palettes, updated typography, and haptic feedback designed to enhance user interaction.
Gemini Spark: always-on AI assistant for Google Workspace
Gemini Spark is Google’s new 24/7 personal AI agent that stays active even when your laptop lid is closed. Built on Gemini 3.5 Flash and the Antigravity platform, it integrates deeply with Google Workspace apps such as Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Slides, as well as third-party services including Canva and Instacart. Future plans include local file handling via the macOS Gemini app.
”We are also introducing Gemini Spark, a round-the-clock personal AI assistant that helps you manage your digital life. Spark represents a significant shift for Gemini, turning it from a question-answering helper into an active partner that performs real work on your behalf under your guidance.”
Gemini Spark starts rolling out to trusted testers this week and will enter beta next week for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
Android Halo: real-time AI status bar in Android 17
Landing in Android 17 later this year, Android Halo brings AI agent status alerts to the top of the screen. It shows task progress, quick switches to active modes, and incoming messages from assistants like Gemini Spark or supported third-party agents.
AI-powered Android app building available in AI Studio
Google’s AI Studio now lets you build native Android apps without needing a local development environment. Just describe your app idea, and the platform generates Kotlin code using Jetpack Compose templates, provides an emulator for testing, and enables publishing directly to Google Play.
Google Search overhaul with interactive mini-apps
Google described this as the biggest upgrade to Google Search in its history. The search bar adapts dynamically to user intent and now accepts images, videos, files, and open Chrome tabs as queries. Instead of plain text responses, Search can generate interactive mini-apps. Later this year, premium users will get ”informational agents” that monitor the web in real time and notify you of breaking developments.
A notable feature within Search is Universal Cart, a Gemini-based platform merging shopping carts with AI functionality. It tracks discounts, price history, stock levels, warns about incompatible items, and offers substitutes. Launch is scheduled for summer in the U.S., initially via Search and Gemini, with plans to expand into YouTube and Gmail.
Google Pics: voice-controlled image editing app
Google unveiled Google Pics, a standalone Workspace app for editing images using voice commands with element-specific selection. It runs on a combination of Gemini and the Nano Banana 2 model. The app will be available this summer for Google AI Ultra subscribers before being integrated into other Workspace products.
Google and Samsung partnership on smart glasses
Developed in partnership, Google handles the Android XR software, while Samsung supplies the hardware. Additional smart glasses built around Gemini are in the works with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The glasses come in two versions-with and without displays-both featuring cameras, microphones, and speakers. Gemini runs real-time object recognition, navigation aids, speech translation preserving voice tone, and background tasks like ordering Uber. The no-display version is expected this fall; price and name remain unannounced.
Project Aura smart glasses collaboration with Xreal
Another set of smart glasses running Android XR, Project Aura, is a collaboration between Google and Xreal, slated for release before the end of 2026. At I/O, the updated version shown to journalists had an interface nearly identical to Samsung’s Galaxy XR. Pricing details haven’t been shared.
Additional updates from Google I/O 2026
- Daily Brief: A personalized morning digest available for AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. that analyzes Gmail, calendar, and schedule to prioritize your day.
- Ask YouTube, Docs Live, Gmail Live: AI assistants that enhance interaction with YouTube search, Google Docs, and Gmail.
- Subscription pricing changes:
- AI Ultra plan price drops from $250 to $200 monthly.
- A new $100/month AI Ultra tier offers usage limits five times higher than AI Pro.
- Antigravity 2.0: An updated integrated development environment (IDE) redesigned for multi-agent orchestration.
Google’s announcements signal a bold leap toward deeply integrated AI experiences, setting new standards not just in search but across productivity, development, and AR hardware. Watch how these Gemini-powered technologies compete with Apple’s mixed-reality ambitions and Microsoft’s AI boosts in Office. Particularly, the expansion of AI agents from assistants to active collaborators could redefine user interaction models across platforms.