At this year’s Google I/O 2026 developer conference, Sundar Pichai outlined Google’s growing focus on artificial intelligence, unveiling a series of updates centred around its Gemini AI platform. The company introduced new AI models, major Search upgrades, Android improvements, and a fresh push into wearable technology.
During the keynote, Pichai described Google’s direction as the “Agentic Gemini Era,” a phase where AI systems are designed to handle more personalised and proactive tasks for users across different products and services.
Gemini Omni And Search Changes Take Centre Stage
One of the biggest announcements from the event was Gemini Omni, which Google called its most advanced AI model so far. The company also introduced Gemini 3.5 Flash, a lighter and faster version focused on coding, productivity, and real-time interactions.
Google said these Gemini models will be integrated across several products, including Search, Android, Workspace, YouTube, and Cloud services.
The company also revealed a major redesign for Google Search, describing it as the platform’s biggest update in 25 years. The updated Search experience now includes conversational AI features and AI-powered agents capable of completing more complex tasks directly within Search results.
Google also demonstrated a new “Generative UI in Search” feature, aimed at making searches feel more natural and interactive instead of relying only on traditional keyword queries.
Android 17 And Smart Glasses Announced
Google confirmed that Gemini will be integrated more deeply into Android devices through the upcoming Android 17 update. Users can expect smarter assistance features, more contextual recommendations, and AI-powered productivity tools across the operating system.
The company also introduced its new no-screen Audio Glasses powered by Android XR, marking another step into wearable technology. Alongside this, Google announced AI shopping features, conversational video search through Ask YouTube, expanded SynthID watermarking technology, and wider Gemini integration across Workspace and Cloud products.
Google Highlights Growing AI Usage
During the presentation, Sundar Pichai shared several figures to highlight Google’s growing AI scale. According to the company, Google now processes 3.2 quadrillion AI tokens every month and serves hundreds of millions of Gemini users globally.
The keynote made it clear that Google is positioning Gemini as a central part of its ecosystem as competition in artificial intelligence continues to grow.
Sources: The Times of India | Mint
