Google has announced a standalone event focused entirely on the Android operating system, which will take place ahead of the annual Google I/O developer conference. Titled The Android Show: I/O Edition, the event will be broadcast live on May 13 at 20:00 Moscow time via the official Android YouTube channel and website. Among the key participants will be Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem. The main Google I/O conference is scheduled to begin a week later, on May 20.
This separate Android-focused broadcast marks a shift in how Google presents its software updates. According to experts, the decision likely stems from Google’s intention to use the main I/O conference to showcase its ongoing work in artificial intelligence. Central to this will be the Gemini AI model and other AI-related developments, including the Project Astra assistant.
Android Takes a Back Seat to AI
Android has historically been a central theme at Google I/O, often highlighted by playful traditions like naming new versions after desserts. However, priorities have shifted. Over the past year, Google has invested heavily in enhancing AI capabilities across its ecosystem. Gemini has been gradually integrated into Android devices and a wide array of Google services, reinforcing the company’s AI-first approach.
Last year also saw the introduction of Veo, Google’s AI model that creates video content based on text prompts—further evidence of the company’s expanded ambitions in generative technologies. Given these changes, it appears that Android updates will now be delivered through dedicated events rather than sharing the spotlight with broader AI initiatives.
What to Expect Going Forward
Despite this shift, Google has clarified that Android will still have a presence at the main I/O event, notes NIX Solutions. According to Sameer Samat, Android will be discussed in keynote speeches and in technical sessions aimed at developers. “We’re sharing more news now to prepare you for I/O, where we’ll have even more special announcements and surprises,” he stated.
By offering a standalone preview, Google aims to give Android developers and users a clearer roadmap ahead of I/O. We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge and announcements are made in the coming weeks.