The Google I/O annual developer conference is around the corner—May 19—but in what is quickly becoming a tradition, Google announced new features for Android and Gemini a week early. The news came on Tuesday via the second-ever Android Show on YouTube.

Google I/O is only a few short days away, and back in the good old days, that's when the latest Android beta would release. However, Google saw it fit to drop the Android 17 beta a week early, giving Pixel owners a chance to test out the latest features ...

Jake Peterson is Lifehacker’s Tech Editor, and has been covering tech news and how-tos for nearly a decade. His team covers all things technology, including AI, smartphones, computers, game consoles, and subscriptions. Android 17 is finally here.

The Android updates, announced Tuesday in addition to a new “Googlebook” laptop platform, include advanced capabilities for the company’s Gemini AI assistant, redesigned emoji and improvements that should appease creators who frequently post videos to Meta Platforms Inc.’s Instagram. Google said the new features will roll out in waves.

Each year, Google showcases new features coming to Android at its Google I/O developer conference. While AI is once again playing a major role in many of Google's 2026 I/O announcements, the company also revealed several practical Android upgrades aimed at ...

Android 17 Is Smarter Than Ever, Thanks to Gemini Intelligence