Google I/O Event Roundup
Google I/O returned once again in May 2024, bringing a fresh wave of updates across Google, Chrome and Android. The event was streamed live from Google’s HQ to a small in-person audience and thousands watching online. Ahead of the keynote, fans had been expecting Pixel 9 news and deeper AI integrations, following plenty of speculation in recent months. While the Pixel 9 stayed firmly under wraps with no confirmed release date, Google packed the two-hour session full of AI announcements and platform upgrades.
If you missed the rumours leading up to the keynote, our smartphone alternatives guide is a great companion read.
And if you’re still tracking early Pixel leaks, the Google Pixel 9 leak roundup is where we’re collecting every update as it arrives.
AI Takes Centre Stage at Google I/O 2024
AI dominated this year’s keynote — not just in terms of flashy demos, but real product improvements landing across Google’s services. To keep things clear, the announcements split naturally into two groups: AI for mobile experiences, and AI built to support everyday tasks.
AI Improvements Focused on Mobile
- Gemma 2: launching in June, this update expands Google’s lightweight language models, helping deliver faster, smoother AI interactions directly on mobile devices.
- Firebase Genkit: a new AI framework within Firebase designed to make building AI-powered features simpler for developers. It offers easier access to Google’s language models and tooling.
- AI in Search: Google’s AI Overviews are expanding, giving users richer, more structured results that summarise research for them instead of requiring endless clicking.
AI Enhancing Everyday Life
- Ask Photos: an early experimental feature that lets you search Google Photos using natural-language questions — no more scrolling through hundreds of nearly identical images.
- LearnLM: a new family of education-tuned models designed to make learning more interactive. Key features include simplified Google Search explanations, Circle to Search for maths help, personalised Gemini tools, and even the ability to “raise your hand” during YouTube lessons to ask questions.
Other Major Announcements From Google I/O
Gemini Updates
Gemini easily received the most stage time. AI-powered improvements across Gmail, Search, Maps and device-side processing were teased throughout the event. Google also introduced Gemini Live and Gemini Nano, which are set to bring more natural conversations and lighter on-device models to upcoming Android devices. We’ll keep covering developments as Google releases more details.
Google Play Improvements
Google Play is also getting a refresh. Play Points are expanding, and a new developer tool called Engage SDK is on the way. Engage SDK gives app makers a chance to present immersive full-screen experiences personalised to each user, helping apps stand out in a crowded store.
Pixel 8a Release Confirmed
One of the most anticipated reveals finally landed: the Pixel 8a became officially available to order from 14th May. Google highlighted its faster refresh rate, brighter display and lower price point — giving Pixel fans a more affordable entry into the lineup. If you’re comparing models, take a look at our refurbished Android collection to see how other handsets stack up.
For a broader look at the state of AI this year, our AI in 2024 guide covers how these upgrades are showing up across the entire tech world.
As always, Google I/O packed in more updates than you can digest in one sitting — but the message was clear: AI is becoming the backbone of Google’s entire ecosystem. And while Pixel 9 details are still missing, the AI direction gives us a good idea of what to expect when it finally arrives. Until then, this year’s event delivered plenty to get excited about.
