After experiencing a video call through Google’s Project Starline, the most impressive part of the demo was the ability to make meaningful eye contact.

Beta 2 of Android 15 is available today after Google previewed the major privacy, security, and theft protection tentpoles at I/O 2024.

On-device AI is a big priority for Android going forward, and Google shared more developer resources at I/O 2024.

Since I/O 2023, Gemini has become the name for all of Google’s AI features. Amidst the Gemini product updates this week, Google officially explained the origin of that name.

Originally, my interest in Google came down to how I think it does cool-to-wild things with technology in an accessible/affordable manner that nobody else is doing.

Android’s work to optimize apps for large screens continues at I/O 2024, with Google sharing a stat about split-screen usage on the Pixel Fold.  

Compared to past years, I/O 2024 felt much more like a developer conference by spanning two days. There was in fact a third day of I/O, with Google hosting a new “Demo Slam” event just for employees today where an internal Gemini hackathon was announced.

With the launch of the Android 15 Beta 2 update at I/O 2024, Google has given us what could be the biggest beta update in around two years. Some changes are small; some are pretty big. Here’s everything you need to know.

Back in October, the Google Home app team said it was working on a homescreen widget. We might now have our first look at the design as Google at I/O 2024 worked to encourage widget adoption.

At I/O 2024, Google’s work on passkeys continues with an even easier sign-in process, as well as platform updates across Android 15 and Wear OS 5.

Google Wallet is getting a number of updates at I/O 2024 from expanded push notifications to a new “Everything else” pass creation option.

Back in March, Google’s announcement about the latest Maps travel features included a mention of how the app is getting a “cleaner home screen.” At I/O 2024, we get a glimpse at the new Google Maps bottom bar.

Private space is rolling out with Android 15 Beta 2, and — from our brief usage — the user-friendly experience could be quite versatile.

The smart home is getting another boost, as Google has announced the “Home runtime” will allow more TVs, including Chromecast with Google TV, act as a hub for Matter devices in Google Home.

Google has redesigned the volume menu in Android 15 Beta 2 with new features and an improved look, too.

Android 15 is now becoming available for devices outside of the Pixel ecosystem, including from OEMs like Nothing, Oppo, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, and more.

Starting with Android 15, Google is officially changing how Bluetooth works with a new toggle that will automatically re-activate Bluetooth a day after it is turned off.

In addition to Private Space, Android at I/O 2024 is really working to boost the mobile operating system’s theft, security, and privacy protections. 

TVs that run Google’s OS will start to get Android 14 soon, which means more flexibility in terms of energy-saving modes and accessibility. Developers will also be getting access to Compose for TV in beta, which brings better tools that result in even better Android TV apps.

As a part of Google I/O 2024, Android Automotive is getting support for Google Cast, new apps, and more.

Google is launching the first preview of Wear OS 5, which is set to significantly improve battery life for smartwatches.

On the second day of I/O 2024, Google is rolling out Beta 2 of Android 15 for Pixel devices. More broadly, the Android 15 Beta is also coming to Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi.

Google Pixel users will be getting a future update that brings control over smart home devices from the Google Home app to their phone’s Bedtime mode.