Gemini 3.5 Series Launch
Google has unveiled its latest advancements in artificial intelligence with the Gemini 3.5 series, starting with Gemini 3.5 Flash. This new model is engineered
for speed and efficiency, boasting capabilities that are reportedly four times faster than comparable leading AI models, while also significantly reducing AI operational costs. Google demonstrated its potential by generating an entire operating system in just 12 hours. Gemini 3.5 Flash is now accessible to all users globally through the Gemini app and the AI Mode within Google Search. Developers can also leverage this model via the Antigravity platform and the Gemini API through AI Studio and Android Studio. The company also announced plans to release the more advanced Gemini 3.5 Pro model in the following month, promising further enhancements in AI performance and utility across various applications and platforms. This release signifies Google's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI accessibility and power for both consumers and developers, paving the way for more sophisticated AI-driven applications.
Ask YouTube & Smarter Search
The conference introduced 'Ask YouTube,' a revolutionary natural language search feature for the video platform, enabling users to find specific moments within videos even without exact timestamps or titles. This capability extends to compiling 'most relevant videos' by analyzing content across YouTube and YouTube Shorts to provide comprehensive answers. Initially rolling out to US-based YouTube Premium subscribers aged 18 and above, this feature is slated for a wider global release soon. Complementing this, Google Search has received a substantial AI upgrade with a new AI Search Box within its AI Mode. This dedicated space facilitates conversational searches and offers AI-generated query suggestions. The upgraded Search supports multimodal queries, accepting image, text, and audio inputs. Furthermore, it can now manage multiple AI agents simultaneously, starting with information agents that operate in the background to keep users informed. Enhanced agentic capabilities are also coming to Search, including booking assistance for specific requests like finding a karaoke room, complete with pricing and direct booking links, set for a US release later in the summer.
Universal Cart & Workspace AI
Google is integrating agentic commerce capabilities across its platforms through the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), branded as 'Universal Cart'. This tool allows users to seamlessly shop across Google Search, the Gemini app, YouTube, and Gmail, working across various merchants and services. In parallel, Google Workspace applications like Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Keep are receiving significant AI upgrades. Users can now engage with Gemini within these apps to brainstorm ideas or organize thoughts using both text and voice commands. The Gemini Spark tool, a new personal AI agent powered by Gemini 3.5, is also being integrated into Workspace. This agent can perform long-running tasks in the background, operating on dedicated Google Cloud virtual machines, freeing users from keeping their devices open. Furthermore, 'Google Pics' has been introduced as a new AI-powered image creation and editing tool within Google Workspace, capable of advanced features like object segmentation, text editing, and translation, all powered by Google's Nano Banana model.
Android XR and Halo
A glimpse into the future of Android was provided with the announcement of the Android XR platform powering new smart glasses. While Samsung's AR/VR headset currently utilizes this OS, Google confirmed the upcoming availability of two distinct categories of intelligent wearables: an audio glasses model and a model equipped with a display. These devices are expected to leverage the capabilities of the Android XR platform. Additionally, Google announced the forthcoming Android 17 update, which will introduce the 'Android Halo' indicator. This visual cue, appearing in the top-left corner of the screen, will transparently display the AI agent's current tasks to the user, enhancing transparency and user awareness of background AI operations. This move signifies Google's focus on user-centric AI integration and clearer communication about the functionalities of its AI agents within the Android ecosystem.
