The Android Show Google I/O Edition LIVE — all the latest Android, Gemini AI and Android XR news as it happens
Catch the latest Android news as it happens
Google I/O may not be officially kicking off for another week, but Google is revealing some of the news early during a special Android-themed presentation. The Android Show: I/O Edition will live stream later today, with Google promising the "one of the biggest years for Android yet."
Those of you who remember last year's Android Show will remember that while we did get some important announcements (Material Expression 3 and Gemini coming to Android Auto), all the important stuff wasn't revealed until Google I/O. We're hoping this year is different, so that all the cool announcements aren't buried in a very developer-focused show next week.
How to watch The Android Show: I/O Edition 2026
Tuning into The Android Show is super easy, no matter where you are, or what devices you have to hand. The show itself will be streamed later today (May 12) from 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, and since it's a Google event, everything will be live-streamed via YouTube.
We've embedded the story below, so you can watch the entire event right here. But if you'd prefer to watch it on YouTube itself, then be sure to click this link.
Going to YouTube will also give you the option to be notified when The Android Show is about to start. That way, you won't forget to tune in and miss those early announcements.
What about hardware?
Google I/O is normally a very software-focused event, and the inclusion of physical hardware is usually kept to a minimum. That said, there have been some exceptions in the past, such as revealing the Pixel Tablet or teasing the Pixel 7 series phones a few months early.
The Android Show is a different story, and while this is only the second time Google has held this event, there's always the possibility that hardware could play a role going forward.
The question is, what sort of hardware could we see? It's unlikely that Pixel phones or watches will make much of an appearance, since they typically get their own launch event in the late summer or fall.
Likewise, any truly innovative devices, such as AI glasses, would likely need to be kept for events that have a strong developer presence, so that work can begin on creating the right apps and software.
But who knows, if Aluminum OS finally gets its own big reveal, Google may use it as an opportunity to reveal some new laptops. But whether they will be Google-made laptops, like the Pixelbook, or devices made by trusted partners, isn't something we can predict.
This won't be an AI-free event
Google has invested a lot in AI, and if you think it's going to save all of that news for the I/O keynote, then you're probably mistaken. Gemini, in particular, plays a huge role in the Android ecosystem, and any updates coming to the platform will likely feature something for Gemini to do as well.
That's especially true when you remember that the Android Show teaser features the normally-green Android mascot morphing into a color scheme reminiscent of the Gemini logo.
We can't really predict what kind of Gemini updates to expect, since some of the good stuff will be held back until next week. I expect that any Gemini news will be focused on new features and capabilities that Android users will be able to use on their devices pretty soon — while the general model updates and technical stuff will be among the talking points at I/O proper.
Android isn't just about phones or laptops
It is mind-boggling how far Android's reach is when you think about it. What started off as an operating system for phones (and later tablets) has now spread to countless different kinds of devices. There's even a version of Android that runs on cars, and lets you access apps and systems while you drive.
The Android Show could feature announcements for all these different versions of Android, whether we're talking smartwatches, cars, smart home systems or even mixed reality products like Samsung's Galaxy XR.
If Google plays its cards right, The Android Show could be a very exciting event — on par with I/O itself.
What's left for Google I/O itself?
With Android taking center stage in its own show, ahead of the Google I/O keynote next week, some of you may be wondering what Google will have left for its developer conference next week. If last year is anything to go by, I/O itself is going to focus very heavily on AI.
We're not just talking about Gemini, either. Google has been working on so many different AI models that do a bunch of different things that there will be no shortage of things to talk about.
In fact, pulling Android into its own show is likely being done because Google has so much AI stuff to talk about and there wouldn't be enough time to discuss the operating system otherwise.
Aluminum OS could be on the cards
One thing that we should hopefully hear about during the Android Show is what's happening with Aluminum OS — the name given to the new OS that aims to merge Android with ChromeOS.
We know that Google will be scrapping ChromeOS in its current form, in favor of bringing Android to Chromebooks and other desktop PCS, we just don't have any specifics on when this is going to happen. I/O and The Android Show is the perfect opportunity to clear the air and reveal when this is likely to happen.
Considering various Android phones now have a dedicated desktop mode, including Pixels, this should be happening sooner rather than later anyway.
What's happening with Android 17?
It wouldn't be the Android Show if Google's mobile operating system didn't make an appearance. But it's unclear what Google might actually have to announce, given how far along we already are in the Android 17 release cycle.
The first Android 17 beta was released back in February, and the software has been in the "Platform Stability" phase since March. Entering this phase means that features are all locked in, and subsequent updates are focused on fixing bugs and other issues ahead of launch.
The wide availability of the Android 17 beta means people have already uncovered most of its secrets. So we probably shouldn't expect to hear about any new additions to Android 17 later today. Though this doesn't discount the possibility of Google announcing features that are exclusive to certain devices, such as Pixel phones or AI features that have been developed in collaboration with Samsung.
