Google I/O 2025: AI takes centre stage with XR, Project Astra, Beam, and more

At its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2025, the tech giant unveiled a sweeping set of AI-first innovations, reinforcing its vision of embedding Gemini AI across its ecosystem—from smartphones and smart glasses to cloud and code tools. With over 400 million users already engaging with Gemini, Google is moving aggressively to expand its AI footprint.

Gemini AI expands with new modes and subscriptions

Early on Wednesday, Google launched two subscription plans: AI Pro ($19.99/month) and AI Ultra ($249.99/month). While Pro enhances tools like NotebookLM and Flow, Ultra unlocks advanced capabilities, including Veo 3 video generation, Imagen 4 for image creation, and Deep Think—an enhanced reasoning mode within Gemini 2.5 Pro. AI Ultra offers 30TB of storage and exclusive agentic tools from Project Mariner.

Gemini 2.5 Flash, a faster and more efficient model launching in June, will feature improved multilingual text-to-speech and be available via the Gemini app and Vertex AI. The upcoming Canvas tool enables collaborative creation of infographics and podcasts, while AI Mode in Google Search brings real-time conversational assistance to complex queries.

Android XR and Project Aura: Smart glasses go mainstream

In the hardware space, Google officially stepped into the AR glasses race at I/O 2025 with the debut of Android XR, its new extended reality platform powered by Gemini AI. Leading the charge is Project Aura, developed in partnership with Xreal and Qualcomm. Aura is designed for lightweight smart glasses that support messaging, navigation, and real-time translation. The glasses use an optional in-lens display for context-aware visual feedback and rely on an external processing puck—much like Meta’s AR prototypes—to keep the eyewear light and affordable. Google is also working with Samsung on a separate XR headset—first teased as Project Moohan last December.

Google's AR strategy spans a range of wearables—from camera-equipped smart glasses to full AR-capable displays. Collaborations with fashion brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker signal the company’s push toward consumer-friendly, stylish devices. While Project Aura is set to launch between late 2025 and early 2026, existing cable-connected AR glasses from Xreal already retail between $200 and $600, offering a lower cost entry point than rivals. In contrast, competing devices from Meta and Apple are expected to command price tags in the thousands.

Aura is expected to be positioned as a direct challenger to Meta’s AR efforts, with the Samsung collaboration viewed as Google’s answer to Apple’s Vision Pro.

Project Astra, Beam, and Gemini Live redefine mobile AI

Project Astra, born from DeepMind, brings low-latency, multimodal AI experiences to smartphones and XR. A live demo showed Gemini performing tasks like messaging, photo capture, and real-time translation via glasses.

Google also revealed Beam, its next-gen 3D telepresence platform. Created in partnership with HP, Beam uses AI-powered rendering for lifelike virtual communication, integrated with real-time speech translation and Google Meet.

Meanwhile, Gemini Live, now on iOS and Android, allows real-time camera and screen-sharing interactions with Gemini.

Developer tools, workspace integration, and other highlights

For developers, Android Studio adds Gemini-powered “Journeys” and AI-assisted crash insights. Stitch helps generate app UI code from text or images, and Jules assists with bug fixes.

Google Docs, Gmail, and Vids will benefit from personalised smart replies and inbox-cleaning, while NotebookLM gets video overviews and PDF/image support.

Google unveiled Wear OS 6 with dynamic theming, Material 3 Expressive design for Android, and a redesigned Google Play Store with new subscription tools and content previews.

Google I/O 2025 marks a shift from reactive tools to proactive, integrated systems. Whether it’s in your pocket, your browser, or your glasses, Gemini is now the connective tissue of Google’s ecosystem. And with Project Astra and Android XR, the line between digital and physical just got a lot blurrier—and a lot smarter.