If you own an Android device, mark May 19, 2026 on your calendar. This is the start of Google I/O, the US company’s annual event where it unveils all of the new features coming to your devices and Google-branded services. Expect to hear about early plans for popular tools like Google Search, Android 17, Google Gemini, Google Chrome, Google Maps, Google Home, YouTube, and dozens more.
Google has previously used its packed I/O keynote to announce new hardware, including its futuristic Google Glass smart eyewear, premium Google Pixelbook laptop, and Google Home smart speakers. For its latest showcase, Google I/O will take place from May 19 – 20, 2026 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.
The good news? You don't need to venture all the way there to hear about all the highly anticipated announcements.
You can sign up to watch online for free directly on Google I/O's website. Kick off begins at the following times:
- 6pm GMT
- 7pm CET
- 1pm EST
- 10am PT
Google released its event dates with a fun twist. Rather than simply posting them, the company tucked them behind a series of playful minigames on its site.
You can still have a go at these yourself. There's a mini-golf challenge where a Gemini-powered virtual caddy gives you tips, plus logic puzzles that generate endless new boards using the AI.
If you prefer a more interactive game, you can try Super Sonicbot, where you control an Android character's height using your microphone – the louder you are, the higher it flies.
Google has kept the majority of its upcoming announcements under wraps. However, the company says it'll be showing off its newest artificial intelligence (AI) breakthroughs alongside updates across its entire product range.
For instance, Google Gemini, the company's clever AI assistant, has been popping up everywhere lately. Most recently, new AI tools were unveiled for your Gmail inbox. Google Maps is also being treated to a free upgrade.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Whispers also suggest that you'll be getting a sneak peek at what to expect from a lot of the hotly anticipated features in Android 17 — the upcoming software system update.
The beta version — where users can test out unreleased features before being released to everyone — has already arrived. The team over at Android Central spotted possible changes to the home screen search bar, featuring thick, coloured borders. It appears that there may also be a slimmer display design, which hasn't been seen in the most recent updates.
The eagle-eyed team at Android Central spotted several possible updates your Android device could be treated to soon, including a few customisation options on your mobile's homescreen
|While this may seem like a small change, the shortcut tool now appears inside the search bar. Alongside this, it's also suggested that you can customise and swap the default AI mode it normally displays for other tools such as Translate, Gemini Live, Weather, Song Search, and more.
You may even be able to remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen, which is a tool that can summarise what it deems is the most necessary information you need — instead of having to go through every single notification.
Stay tuned to GBN Tech as we keep you updated on Google's latest announcements.
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