Google puts AI at the centre of I/O 2026 with major Search and Gemini updates
Google has used its annual I/O developer conference to unveil a wide range of AI-powered updates, placing its Gemini technology at the centre of Search, productivity tools and future devices. The announcements suggest the company is pushing beyond traditional search and towards systems designed to actively assist users with tasks and everyday activities.
Google has announced a broad set of new artificial intelligence features at its I/O 2026 developer conference, highlighting how AI is becoming increasingly integrated across the company's products and services.
The event focused heavily on Google's Gemini technology, which now sits at the centre of the company's plans for Search, Android, productivity tools and future hardware. Executives described the latest developments as a shift towards more intelligent systems that not only answer questions but also perform tasks on behalf of users.
One of the biggest announcements was a major redesign of Search. Google said the platform is receiving its largest update in decades, introducing a more conversational experience capable of understanding different types of input, including text, images and video. New AI-powered functions are also expected to help users monitor topics and receive updates automatically.
The company also introduced updates to Gemini, including new models designed to improve speed, reasoning and multimodal capabilities. Google demonstrated AI systems capable of understanding and creating content across multiple formats, including text, images and video.
AI features are also expanding into services such as Gmail, YouTube and shopping tools. Google presented examples showing assistants handling more complex tasks, including helping users organise information, search for content and interact with digital services more naturally.
The conference also offered a look at future hardware concepts, including AI-powered smart glasses and extended reality devices, suggesting Google continues to invest in wearable technology alongside its software ambitions.
The announcements arrive as competition in artificial intelligence continues to intensify, with technology companies racing to build systems that become part of everyday digital life. For Google, I/O 2026 made one message clear: AI is no longer being treated as a separate product, but as the foundation of much of its ecosystem.
