At Google I/O 2025, the tech giant unveiled a sweeping series of AI advancements that promise to transform everything from how we search the web to how we build apps, shop online and communicate. While the event was packed with expected updates to Google’s AI models like Gemini, Imagen and Veo, it also introduced entirely new tools and features that signal a bold shift in how users and businesses interact with technology.
Let’s dive into the most exciting announcements from the keynote and what they mean for the future.
AI Mode in Search Goes Nationwide
Google is rolling out AI Mode, a Gemini-powered Search tab, to all U.S. users. This new experience allows users to interact with Google Search more conversationally. Coming soon are features like deep search, chart generation for finance and sports, and integrated AI shopping tools.
Project Starline Evolves into Google Beam
The futuristic 3D video chat experience previously known as Project Starline is now Google Beam. It’s launching inside an HP-branded device equipped with six cameras and a light field display, enabling lifelike 3D video calls. Early adopters include Deloitte, Salesforce and Duolingo.
Imagen 4 and Veo 3 Bring Generative AI to New Heights
Google announced:
Imagen 4: Improved text rendering, plus export options in square and landscape formats.
Veo 3: New ability to generate synchronised video and audio from prompts.
Veo 2: Enhanced editing tools like camera control and object removal.
Meet Flow, Google’s New AI Filmmaking App
Google’s new app Flow blends the power of Imagen, Veo and Gemini to generate eight-second video clips from text prompts or images. Users can also stitch clips together with scene-builder tools to create longer, coherent AI-generated films.
Gemini 2.5 Pro Introduces ‘Deep Think’ Mode
An experimental Deep Think mode is coming to Gemini 2.5 Pro, designed for advanced reasoning across math and code. It evaluates multiple hypotheses before generating answers – available first to a select group of testers. Meanwhile, Gemini 2.5 Flash, a lighter-weight version, is now widely available and more cost-efficient for everyday use.
Xreal and Google Announce Project Aura Smart Glasses
Project Aura, a collaborative effort with Xreal, brings Android XR-based smart glasses with a wide field-of-view, integrated cameras, microphones and Gemini AI features. Google is also working with Samsung, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on additional models.
Project Astra Gets More Proactive
Google’s AI assistant Project Astra now goes beyond passive observation. It can proactively complete tasks based on what it sees through your phone’s camera, such as pointing out mistakes in homework, without needing explicit instructions.
Gemini Comes to Chrome
Starting May 21, Pro and Ultra subscribers can use Gemini inside Chrome to summarise webpages, clarify content and navigate sites – with multi-tab support coming later this year.
Introducing the $250/month AI Ultra Plan
Google’s premium AI Ultra subscription unlocks access to top-tier models and early features like Gemini in Chrome and Project Mariner – which can now complete up to 10 tasks simultaneously. It also increases usage limits across apps like Flow, NotebookLM and Gemini.
Search Live: Real-Time Visual AI Conversations
Google’s Search Live lets users speak to Search in real-time using their phone’s camera. By tapping a new “Live” icon in AI Mode or Lens, you can show the assistant what you’re seeing and ask questions on the spot.
Stitch: AI-Generated App Interfaces Made Easy
Stitch is a new AI design tool that lets developers and designers create UI mockups using text prompts, themes, wireframes and even screenshots of other designs. It’s currently available through Google Labs and exemplifies how AI is streamlining product development.
Google Meet Adds Live Translation
Google Meet now features real-time translation of spoken language during video calls – starting with English and Spanish – available in beta for Pro and Ultra users.
Smarter Gmail Replies with Contextual Awareness
Gmail’s AI-powered smart replies will now pull information from your inbox and Drive, while adapting tone to suit the recipient. More formal suggestions for work emails and casual replies for friends are on the way. The upgrade rolls out in English this July via Google Labs.
AI-Powered Shopping and Try-On Features
Google is testing a new shopping tool that lets users upload a full-body photo to virtually “try on” clothes. This feature uses an AI model that understands the human form and fabric behavior. Soon, Gemini will also be able to shop for you through an “agentic checkout” feature.
Chrome Will Help Replace Compromised Passwords
Later this year, Chrome will detect compromised passwords and offer to generate and automatically update secure replacements on supported websites – with full user consent.
Final Thoughts
Google I/O 2025 shows the company is betting big on AI and making it deeply accessible across tools that millions already use. From consumer features like AI-enhanced shopping and Gmail replies to enterprise-grade innovations in video conferencing, UI design and web browsing, Google’s AI ecosystem is rapidly evolving.
AI Ireland founder Mark Kelly highlights that the challenge now is no longer access to these tools – it’s understanding them. As AI weaves itself into the core of productivity, decision-making and creativity, AI literacy will be the defining skill of the decade.
“This is the kind of real-world innovation that shows AI’s power to radically streamline operations and unlock new opportunities across every sector,” said Mark Kelly. “But with this rapid pace of change, AI literacy is no longer optional – it’s essential. Businesses and individuals who don’t invest in understanding these tools risk falling behind quickly in a world being reshaped by intelligent technology.”
Call to Action
If you’d like to delve deeper into how these trends can reshape your organisation, we would be delighted to discuss them in more detail. Invite Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, to speak at your next team meeting, conference or strategy session. We can explore practical ways to harness AI responsibly, meet sustainability goals, and navigate the evolving consumer landscape. Let’s work together to ensure Ireland remains at the vanguard of innovation in 2025 – and beyond.
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