Google I/O Archives

BetaBeacon

February 18, 2026

Google starts teasing I/O 2026 with its latest puzzle

Google has released a puzzle game to reveal the dates for its developers' event, Google I/O 2026. The puzzle consists of five different games: Hole in one, Nonogram, Word wheel, Supersonic Bot, and Stretchy cat. Players must complete all builds to unlock the final bonus and reveal the event dates.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Google hasn’t forgotten about video apps for Android Auto

Google announced plans to enhance Android Auto by introducing video app support for users while parked, aimed at improving the experience for electric vehicle owners during charging breaks. A new flag, "CradleFeatureallowvideoapps," was discovered in the latest Android Auto beta version, v16.3.160744, indicating that video app functionality may be forthcoming. However, the feature is not yet active, and additional components are needed for seamless video playback. An APK teardown can reveal potential future features, but not all may be released to the public.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Google launches early Android 17 Beta for Pixel devices targeting app scalability

Google has launched the first Beta of Android 17 for Pixel devices, skipping the traditional Developer Preview. The Android Beta program is available for Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel Tablet, allowing users to enroll via the Android Beta website for an Over-The-Air update. Android 17 focuses on app scalability across various devices and includes performance improvements with a new garbage collection method and camera functionality upgrades. The full release timeline is flexible, expected several months after a Platform Stability milestone in March, likely after the Google I/O event in May and possibly coinciding with the Pixel 11 launch in August. Users can enroll in the Beta through the Android Beta website, but may experience instability, and those without a Pixel can use the Emulator in Android Studio.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Stunning Android 17 Leak: Blur UI Floating Screen Recorder & App Lock

The Android 17 update introduces a system-wide blur UI with a glassy design, enhancing the visual appeal of the notification shade. It features a floating screen recorder with multiple audio input options and touch indicators, allowing for seamless management during recordings. A built-in app lock enhances security through biometric authentication or device passwords, with hidden message previews for locked apps. The update also includes refinements to the notification and quick settings panels. Android 17 is currently in internal builds, expected to launch in 2026, with a preview at the Google I/O event.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Google Assistant could shut down for Android Auto in March 2026

Google Assistant will remain available on Android Auto until March 2026. The transition to Gemini has begun, with the rollout starting on November 20, 2025. A support document indicates uncertainty about Google Assistant's future on other platforms. Initially, Google planned to phase out Google Assistant by March 2025 on most mobile devices, but this timeline may be extended. Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices and will understand the same commands while allowing for more natural speech.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

Gemini for Android Auto is starting to replace Google Assistant

Gemini is being introduced as a replacement for Google Assistant on select Android Auto systems, marking a significant transition in Google's rollout of Gemini, which has already been implemented on Android, Wear OS, and Google Home. Users have begun noticing Gemini in various beta builds due to a server-side update. The initial announcement of Gemini's integration into vehicles was made during Google I/O, with indications that it would be available "this fall." Reports indicate that users started experiencing Gemini in their vehicles on November 5, linked to Android Auto versions 15.6 and 15.7 in beta testing. Gemini retains the "Hey Google" wake word and offers enhanced natural-language processing capabilities and Gemini Live support for real-time conversations. It also integrates with Google Maps for smarter navigation and can translate text messages in over 40 languages. Users have found Gemini effective in managing complex requests and remembering personal preferences, with broader access expected soon as Android Auto is integrated into approximately 250 million vehicles.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Google Beam will use AI to bring 3D video calls to military families

Google Beam is a 3D video calling platform developed by Google to enhance communication for individuals separated by distance. Google is partnering with the United Service Organizations (USO) to introduce Google Beam to military families, allowing them to connect with loved ones using HP Dimension hardware at USO centers starting next year. The technology, which has been in development for over five years and was previously known as "Project Starline," creates realistic 3D representations of individuals during calls. The setup includes six cameras, an 8K light-field display, and AI software for real-time 3D video modeling. The HP Dimension interface costs ,000 per unit and will be available at USO centers domestically and internationally in 2026.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

AppContext To Keep Apps Alive In Android

Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Android’s new Computer Control feature shows the Rabbit R1 was ahead of its time

Last year, AI-powered devices like the Rabbit R1 generated excitement but ultimately failed due to high costs, redundancy, and limited utility. This led to a trend in agentic AI, with companies developing AI products that autonomously handle tasks. Google is advancing its Gemini project within the Chrome browser, although it currently has limited functionality. For broader automation across Android apps, Google’s Project Astra was showcased, demonstrating hands-free control of Android devices. However, it revealed performance issues that need improvement. Google is also developing a Computer Control framework to automate Android applications through trusted client apps, requiring specific permissions for security. The framework aims to enhance automation while addressing privacy concerns and resource management.