Google I/O 2026 Live: Gemini, Smart Glasses and all the latest news
Get ready for Android, Gemini and an explosion of news
We're getting very close to the kickoff of Google I/O 2026, and we're on the ground here in Mountain View, CA., to bring you all the biggest announcements.
So, whether you’re curious about what’s in store for Android 17 (and there's sure to be some exciting news coming) or what other Gemini Intelligence features Google will share, you can keep up with all the breaking news with our Google I/O 2026 live blog.
And while it wasn’t a major focus during the Android Show last week, you can bet that Android XR is going to get a big push during the keynote.
How to watch Google I/O 2026
Google I/O 2026 — Live updates as they happen
Googlebook's OS needs a name
Google may have revealed a bunch of details about Googlebooks, including the fact that they will be running on an Android-based operating system, but there's still a bunch we don't know. Like a name, because so far we've just been calling it Googlebook OS.
Rumors suggested that the name AluminumOS could be on the cards, but that might just have been a codename. Now that Googlebooks are confirmed, it's about time Google cleared the rest of those little details up.
What about the new Google Home speaker?
While I/O may not be a hardware-focused event, there is still one lingering piece of hardware that hasn't been released — and now would be the perfect time to reveal an official date.
I'm talking, of course, about the Google Home Speaker that was first teased last year. Google said it would be arriving in Spring 2026. Since Spring is currently ongoing, it's about time we got some concrete information. The last thing we need is for this speaker to become the next Galaxy Home.
Timing reminder!
In case you forgot, Google's I/O 2026 keynote kicks off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST on May 19 (that's today), and you can tune into the event through the YouTube stream embedded above.
Of course, the best thing you can do is keep this live blog open, as not only will we tell you everything as it happens, but we'll explain why you should care about each bit of news.
What about the new Google Home speaker?
While I/O may not be a hardware-focused event, there is still one lingering piece of hardware that hasn't been released — and now would be the perfect time to reveal an official date.
I'm talking, of course, about the Google Home Speaker that was first teased last year. Google said it would be arriving in Spring 2026. Since Spring is currently ongoing, it's about time we got some concrete information. The last thing we need is for this speaker to become the next Galaxy Home.
Gemini 3.5 coming to I/O?
A social media post by a Google DeepMind employee seems to confirm that Gemini 3.5 exists. This further bumps expectations that Google will announce the new model at I/O 2026, but we'll have to wait and see.
Pricing has allegedly been posted for the new AI model on X, further making us think it'll launch today.
Some changes have already come to Gemini app
Gemini is likely to get the lion's share of reveals at I/O 2026, but eagle-eyed users have already spotted some changes rolling out to the Gemini app. There seems to be a new "Thinking level" menu rolling out to the app's model picker, with "standard" and "extended" options added to the Fast and Pro models.
The Gemini app also seems to be prepping more integrations with third-party apps, with support documents suggesting support for Canva, Instacart, and OpenTable is on the way. Which means Gemini should be able to control these apps on your behalf, based on prompts you give it.
No doubt we'll hear more during the I/O conference.
Gemini Remy could make its debut
Google has kept quiet about what I/O will have to offer, but it has teased a future of agentic AI. This means we may see it unveil some details about "Remy," the codename attached to Google's own personal AI agent.
According to reports, Remy is "your 24/7 personal agent for work, school and daily life, powered by Gemini." It will apparently be able to interact with other Google services and be more advanced than the agentic features Google has already started rolling out to the Gemini app. That means handling tasks proactively, learning your own preferences, and keeping track of things that matter.
Tom's Guide EIC weighs in
Mark Spoonauer is the Global Editor-in-Chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. He oversees the direction of Tom's Guide and leads a team of over 25 journalists to bring you our expert buying guides, reviews, news, how-to articles, deals and other coverage.
"I'm personally excited to see the new Google and Samsung glasses and how they'll stand out versus Meta Ray-Ban. Hopefully, we'll learn more about unique features and see the designs from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Just keep in mind that these glasses won't have a display..." said Tom's Guide Global Editor in Chief Mark Spoonauer.
Are you excited for I/O?
Google I/O is about to start and we're excited to see what the company has in store for us. But what are you most excited about?
Hit the poll above and let your voice be heard!
Google I/O starts soon!
We're just a couple of hours away from the official news-dropping madness getting underway. If you're a fan of Android, Gemini or even if you just casually use Google products like Search, there's sure to be something to get you excited at the event once it kicks off.
Be sure to keep yourself locked to this live blog, as we'll bring you every important piece of information as it happens.
