Google unveils Gemini AI upgrades, Android XR smart glasses, and new subscription service

Google revealed a series of major advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), smart glasses, and subscription services that promise to reshape how users interact with technology. The Google I/O 2025 conference, held in Mountain View, California, attended by around 5,000 enthusiasts and developers, showcased Google’s commitment to integrating AI into everyday life through innovative products and services.

AI upgrades: The Gemini model

Central to Google’s announcements was the evolution of its Gemini AI model, which the company aims to position as a universal assistant. This model is designed to handle complex tasks, allowing users to delegate responsibilities such as apartment hunting or managing communications with friends. The new “agent mode” in Gemini enables users to interact with the AI in a more conversational manner, making it easier to obtain information and complete tasks seamlessly. 

Google also introduced remarkable upgrades to its search capabilities. The new “AI mode” allows for more complex queries, leveraging advanced reasoning and personalized suggestions based on user history. This feature is set to launch in the U.S. this summer, aiming to enhance the search experience by connecting to personal applications like Gmail for contextual assistance. Additionally, the company announced “Deep Search,” which can execute multiple searches simultaneously, further streamlining the information retrieval process. 

Smart glasses: Android XR

One of the exciting reveals at the conference was the introduction of Android XR glasses, a product that combines augmented reality with AI capabilities. These glasses are equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, allowing them to interact with the user’s environment in real time. During a live demonstration, a Google employee showcased how the glasses could provide directions, schedule appointments, and even translate languages on the fly, all while the user remained engaged with their surroundings. 

The glasses are also designed to work in tandem with smartphones, providing hands-free access to apps and information. Google has partnered with eyewear brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to create stylish designs that users will want to wear throughout the day. This collaboration aims to ensure that the glasses are not only functional but also fashionable, appealing to a broader audience. 

Read more | Gemini AI: Your new assistant for finding photos in Google Photos

Subscription services: Google AI Pro

In line with its AI advancements, Google announced the launch of Google AI Pro, a subscription service that offers users enhanced features across its suite of products. Subscribers will gain access to the new browsing assistant in Chrome, which allows for more interactive and personalized web searches. This service is expected to roll out to users in the U.S. shortly after the conference. 

The subscription model further reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly offering premium features to enhance user experience. By providing advanced AI functionalities through a subscription, Google aims to create a sustainable revenue model while delivering value to its users.