Android is evolving. Rather than saving every announcement for its annual developer conference, Google has given Android its own dedicated event.
During The Android Show: I/O Edition, the presentation offered an early look at the future of the Android platform one week ahead of Google I/O 2025.
Material 3 Expressive launches later this year
Building on Google’s Material You UI design language, Material 3 Expressive aims to simplify personalization across Android and Wear OS devices. It introduces new animations, blurring effects, haptic feedback, and more. Future Android devices will also feature expanded color themes, fonts, and UI components.
A recent blog post on Google’s The Keyword reads, in part: “Personalization is core to Android, and Material 3 Expressive — one of our biggest updates in years — is all about making your device feel unique to you.”
Gemini AI comes to Android Auto
Android Auto is also receiving a significant update with Gemini AI integration. By using Gemini as an in-car virtual assistant, drivers can converse with their OS using natural language. Tasks such as sending messages, navigating to businesses, and playing music from Spotify will be possible hands-free, without interacting with buttons or controls.
Gemini currently supports translation in more than 40 languages. The AI virtual assistant is expected to be available in cars with Android Auto within a few months, and it will be integrated into cars that come with Google pre-installed — including the Honda Passport, Lincoln Nautilus, and Renault R5 — by the end of 2025.
Devices see enhanced security tech
The development team at Google has also addressed some of the latest mobile security threats by introducing enhanced security controls for Android, including:
- Greater protection from scam texts, including crypto scams, road scams, gift card scams, and others.
- Transitioning from Find my Device to Find Hub, which can be used to track lost devices or share location with friends and family. Starting later in the year, satellite connectivity will be available for those who don’t have access to cellular service.
- Easy access to Google’s strongest security features, the Advanced Protection suite. These additional security controls can be turned on or off as needed.
Looking ahead to Google I/O
As expected, the Android Show: I/O Edition focused on software enhancements. With Google I/O scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, additional announcements — including hardware updates — are expected to follow.
