Google announces a special Android event ahead of I/O

Google has announced The Android Show: I/O Edition, a special event that will take place on May 13th ahead of Google I/O.
The event will be hosted by Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat and will feature updates on upcoming Android features and AI efforts.
The show is expected to provide more information about Gemini and Project Astra, as well as other Android-related announcements.
Android will still have a presence at Google I/O in keynotes and developer technical sessions, but it’s not the main focus of the event this year.
The event aims to get users ready for Google I/O, where more special announcements and surprises are planned, including updates on Android 15 beta features like AI-powered scam call detection and Theft Detection Lock.

“coming soon” promo image for The Android Show: I/O Edition, with a green Android robot holding a film clapboard — The Android Show: Google I/O Edition

Google just announced that it will host a separate event ahead of I/O to discuss updates coming to Android. The Android Show: I/O Edition will land on YouTube and the Android website on May 13th at 10AM PT / 1PM ET and will feature Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat. That’s a full week ahead of Google I/O, which kicks off on May 20th.

It’s not terribly surprising, given that the company has spent less time talking about Android at I/O. And it’s probably a big hint that we’re going to hear a lot more about Gemini and Google’s other AI efforts throughout the developer conference. Maybe we’ll even get an update on its Project Astra.

“We’ll be sharing news now to get you ready for I/O where we’ll have even more special announcements and surprises in store,” Samat said. The company noted that Android will still have a presence at I/O in keynotes and developer technical sessions.

While Android was once the highlight of Google I/O — back when the company unveiled new statues for the new dessert flavor name picked for the next-generation of Android — that’s changed in the past few years. Last year, Google talked about redesigning Search around AI, and how Gemini would integrate across Android phones and services like Docs, Gmail, Calendar.

And, yeah, Android was still discussed, but it wasn’t the big topic we’re used to. Google instead unveiled some of the new features in the Android 15 beta, like AI-powered scam call detection, Circle to Search, and Theft Detection Lock.

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Q. When will Google host The Android Show: I/O Edition?

A. May 13th at 10AM PT / 1PM ET.

Q. Who will be hosting The Android Show: I/O Edition?

A. Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat.

Q. Why is Google hosting a separate event ahead of I/O?

A. To discuss updates coming to Android and share news before the main conference.

Q. What can attendees expect from The Android Show: I/O Edition?

A. News about Gemini, AI efforts, and possibly an update on Project Astra.

Q. Will Android still have a presence at Google I/O?

A. Yes, with keynotes and developer technical sessions.

Q. Has the focus of Google I/O changed over the years?

A. Yes, Android is no longer the main highlight, but rather one of several topics discussed.

Q. What was announced last year at Google I/O regarding Android?

A. Redesigning Search around AI and integrating Gemini across Android phones and services.

Q. Are there any new features in the Android 15 beta that were unveiled at I/O?

A. Yes, including AI-powered scam call detection, Circle to Search, and Theft Detection Lock.

Q. Why did Google spend less time talking about Android at I/O?

A. Possibly because they want to focus on other topics like Gemini and AI efforts.

Q. When will Google I/O take place?

A. May 20th.