Google simply kicked off the I/O Version Android Present, and I’m loving the recent updates. From cool new designs to raised safety, there’s rather a lot right here that caught my consideration.
Google simply introduced its greatest Android replace in a very long time—proper earlier than Apple gears as much as reveal what’s new for iPhones. This yr, the tech big took a distinct route. As a substitute of saving the Android information for the I/O developer convention on Could twentieth, it kicked issues off every week early with a particular occasion centered totally on Android, known as the I/O Version Android Present.
The occasion revealed a recent design, extra methods to make use of Gemini, and stronger safety features. Nonetheless, the true pleasure got here from the lineup of recent instruments and adjustments packed into the replace. Right here’s a take a look at what stood out.
1. Materials 3 Expressive
Google lastly confirmed off Materials 3 Expressive, that shiny, playful interface we noticed in latest leaks. It’s coming to each Android and Put on OS.
This new look builds on Materials You, however every little thing feels smoother now. Animations bounce in a manner that simply is smart, virtually like they’ve received a bit of persona. Take clearing a notification, for instance. As you swipe one away, the others react to your motion. Then you definitely flick it off the display and get a tiny haptic bump. It’s easy, but it surely makes utilizing your telephone extra gratifying.
I switched from a Galaxy J8 to an iPhone 15 Professional, and man, I discover these haptics. Apple’s faucet suggestions hits completely different. On Telegram, I can swipe by actions with my thumb and really feel these tiny “clicks” that permit me know what I’m doing—no must look down. Samsung nonetheless has a strategy to go, however its suggestions feels tight, fast, and sharp sufficient to get by.
I favored Materials You, simply wished for higher shade management. Some Google apps nonetheless don’t comply with the type, which feels off. However now, Android’s including up to date themes, smoother components, and daring fonts to match your type. Google’s additionally bringing these appears to apps like Images, Fitbit, and Gmail.
On smartwatches, Materials 3 Expressive matches proper into the round display. It flows with scrolling strikes that comply with the curve of the watch face. Whenever you scroll, the lists transfer with a way of depth, which helps you soak up information quicker. Nonetheless, I feel Google ought to lean tougher into transparency and animations—they’ve at all times lagged there. Manufacturers like Samsung usually needed to step in and patch issues up.
2. Gemini coming to extra Android gadgets
Google’s bringing Gemini to extra platforms, together with smartwatches and vehicles with Android Auto or a part of the Automobiles with Google setup. It’s exhibiting up in additional locations the place you already spend time.
Quickly, you’ll be capable of speak to Gemini whereas driving. Simply converse naturally and it’ll perceive what you want. No extra fumbling with buttons or developing with good instructions. You keep centered on driving, and Gemini handles the remainder.
Let’s say you’re driving to the submit workplace. Gemini would possibly counsel a charging cease close to a park, so you possibly can stretch your legs whereas your automotive prices. My dad might actually use this. He will get misplaced usually and at all times checks his telephone for instructions. With this, he might simply ask out loud and get instantaneous assist with out the effort.
Gemini’s additionally headed to TVs working Google TV and mixed-reality headsets utilizing Android XR. When Samsung’s headset launches later this yr, you’ll be capable of plan journeys by wanting round and seeing movies, maps, and native ideas. It helps construct a visit that truly feels actual, lengthy earlier than you guide something.
3. Security
Google didn’t simply replace Android’s look—they added stronger safety, too. One massive function is rip-off detection in Google Messages. It catches billions of shady texts each month and retains studying find out how to flag new scams, like faux crypto offers, toll prices, and reward card cons.
Scammers by no means take a break, although. They’re at all times cooking up new tips to steal card information or sneak into digital wallets. In Armenia, the place I stay, a bunch of individuals lately ended up with shopper loans they by no means even signed up for. Seeing that makes me imagine Google’s AI-powered Rip-off Detection can down on fraud.
Discover Hub
Google’s rolling out one thing known as Discover Hub, and it’s fairly cool. It takes what Discover My Gadget used to do and builds on it. Now you can verify in case your associate or child made it house protected, all out of your telephone.
One function I’m actually into? Journey is about to really feel manner much less hectic. Beginning subsequent yr, you’ll get to share your Bluetooth tag’s location with airways—no extra guessing the place your bag ended up. Google didn’t drop names, however the function sounds tremendous useful. I as soon as stood round at baggage declare in Greece perpetually, solely to seek out out my suitcase didn’t make it. The display claimed all baggage had already arrived. Whole nightmare.
Apple customers have already got a workaround within the Discover My app. You can also make a brief webpage to point out the tag’s location and ship it to, say, the airline. Helps massive time when your baggage goes off by itself trip.
Google’s I/O Version Android Present: Remaining ideas
Google did an amazing job mixing a clear new design with sensible options within the newest Android replace. The animations run smoother, Gemini help is expanded, and safety is tighter, making utilizing your telephone simpler and safer on daily basis.
They’ll be diving deeper into these adjustments on the Google I/O developer convention in Mountain View, California, starting Could 20. The replace shall be obtainable to obtain later this yr, beginning with Google’s Pixel telephones.
