The Android Show 2026: All the News for the Mobile Ecosystem Announced by Google

On the occasion of the 2026 edition of The Android Show, Google previewed the news regarding Android ahead of the Google I/O launch keynote. Besides the updates we present here, there are additional announcements, including Gemini Intelligence, the new Googlebook, and some innovations for Android in the automotive world.

The Agentic Era of Android: Gemini 3.1 Transforms the Operating System

Google outlined the future of the green robot during the I/O Edition 2026, marking the definitive shift from a passive operating system to a true "intelligence system." At the heart of this metamorphosis is Gemini 3.1, the most advanced model integrated directly into Chrome for Android starting next month. This integration aims to extend the concept of textual assistance: the AI assistant now resides in the browser's toolbar, allowing users to query web pages, summarize complex articles, or provide detailed explanations without having to switch applications.

By tapping the Gemini icon in the toolbar, the assistant appears at the bottom of the screen to offer immediate support in managing digital content. It can synthesize long articles, clarify complex concepts, and provide contextual answers based on the currently viewed web page. Thanks to its integration with the Google ecosystem, the tool can also interact directly with productivity services to add appointments to the calendar, archive notes on Keep, or retrieve specific information within Gmail.

Another significant innovation is auto browse, a feature of “agentic” navigation that automates the most tedious tasks. Leveraging contextual data, such as ticket confirmation, Chrome can autonomously search for and book parking through services like SpotHero or update recurring orders on e-commerce platforms like Chewy. For more sensitive tasks, such as payments or social media posts, the system is designed to always require explicit confirmation, maintaining the existing security protections on desktop against threats like prompt injection.

In the creative realm, the integration of the Nano Banana model expands multimedia capabilities, enabling the instant generation of customized visuals and the conversion of text into infographics. The assistant also allows users to intervene on existing images to modify elements, offering advanced solutions like the virtual insertion of objects into real environments. The integration of Gemini into Chrome will begin its rollout in the United States starting at the end of June, requiring devices with Android 12 or higher and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. Simultaneously, the auto browse feature will only be accessible to users subscribed to the AI Pro and Ultra versions, maintaining the same U.S. geographical limitations and technical requirements related to the OS version.

Creativity and Multimedia: Android 17 Challenges Professionals

With the arrival of Android 17, Google is decisively targeting the creator market, optimizing the entire acquisition and publishing pipeline. The collaboration with Meta has led to the native integration of Ultra HDR and advanced video stabilization on Instagram for flagship devices. According to data based on the Universal Video Quality (UVQ) framework, the quality of videos uploaded from the new Android devices is now equal to or superior to that of the main competitor.

For those working with video, the updates are substantial:

Screen Reactions: This function enables simultaneous recording of oneself and the device screen, facilitating the creation of video reactions or guides without resorting to external software. It will debut on Pixel devices during the summer.
Edits App: Includes "smart enhance" tools for image upscaling and audio separation through AI. The latter can identify and isolate specific audio tracks (wind, noise, music) to enhance the creator's voice.
APV Format (Advanced Professional Video): A new high-efficiency professional video storage standard developed with Samsung for devices like the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the vivo X300 Ultra.
Adobe Premiere: The professional editing software will officially come to Android in the summer, offering templates and exclusive effects for creating YouTube Shorts directly from the app.

Breaking Barriers: Quick Share and Migration from iOS

Google has made the Quick Share protocol compatible with AirDrop for supported phones, starting with Pixel and expanding to partners like Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and HONOR. For incompatible devices, it is now possible to generate a QR code that enables immediate transfer to iOS using the cloud.

The transition from iPhone to a new Android device has also been completely revamped in collaboration with Apple. The new wireless process allows users to migrate not only contacts and photos but also passwords, messages, home screen layouts, and even eSIM transfers. This procedure will initially debut on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices during the year.

Digital Wellbeing and New Interactions

Google has also introduced Pause Point to combat compulsive smartphone use. Unlike traditional timers that can be easily ignored, this feature imposes a 10-second pause when opening distracting apps. During this interval, users can perform breathing exercises or view suggestions for alternative apps, such as audiobooks. To ensure effectiveness, disabling Pause Point requires restarting the phone, creating a physical deterrent to mindless usage.

Finally, visual communication evolves with the new Noto 3D emojis. This collection aims to transcend digital two-dimensionality by bringing a sense of "physicality" and presence to chats. The 3D emojis will initially be available on Pixel phones by the end of 2026.