Google I/O is, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling events of the tech calendar. As a passionate Google fan, getting to experience the 2025 edition was a dream come true. While not everyone can make it to Mountain View to see the innovations firsthand, I’m excited to share with you the five coolest things I got to try at this year’s event — from groundbreaking AR glasses to AI-powered robotics. Let’s dive into what’s coming next from Google and why you should be excited about it too!
Table of Contents
- 🕶️ Exploring the Future with Android XR Prototype Glasses
- 🎮 Immersive VR with Samsung’s Project Muhan Headset
- 🤖 AI Mode & Search Live: Smarter Searching Made Simple
- 🎬 Creating with Flow and Veo: AI-Powered Video Generation
- 🦾 Gemini-Powered Robotics: Talking to Robots Is Now Real
- Conclusion: Exciting Times Ahead for Google and AI Technology
- FAQ 🤔
🕶️ Exploring the Future with Android XR Prototype Glasses
One of the standout experiences for me was trying out Google’s Android XR AR glasses prototypes. These aren’t retail-ready devices yet, but they clearly showcase Google’s vision for augmented reality on the Android XR platform. I have to admit, I went in expecting to be underwhelmed, but these glasses blew me away.
Connected to a phone, the glasses display notifications seamlessly and offer turn-by-turn navigation right in your line of sight. What really impressed me was seeing Google’s Gemini AI in action. For instance, I looked at a painting and asked who painted it and what type of painting it was. Gemini responded not only with text on the display but also through audio delivered directly to my ears via the glasses’ stems—no earbuds required!
One thing to note: all visuals appear in just one lens, not both. Google explained this isn’t a limitation but a deliberate design choice. Some models will have dual lenses, others single, and some wearables might be audio-only. I’m genuinely excited to see what dual-lens AR glasses will bring to the table in the future.
🎮 Immersive VR with Samsung’s Project Muhan Headset
Next up, I got hands-on with Samsung’s Project Muhan headset, which also runs on Android XR but is more VR-focused. It’s a mixed reality device, allowing you to still catch glimpses of the real world, though wearing it out on the street might turn some heads!
My first impression? This is exactly what I’ve wanted from a VR headset. It’s incredibly comfortable, fully featured, and supports intuitive touch gestures—meaning you don’t always need a controller. However, if you prefer, you can pair Xbox controllers or other Bluetooth VR controllers for a more traditional experience.
Unlike some competitors that feel limited in scope, Project Muhan looks like a fully functioning VR system with plenty of potential. The big questions remain about its release date, official name, and price, but I’m already excited for what’s coming later this year.
🤖 AI Mode & Search Live: Smarter Searching Made Simple
Google’s AI-powered tools continue to evolve, and I had the chance to try out AI Mode, which you can actually experiment with yourself by signing up for Google Labs in Search.
This feature lets you input complex, multi-part queries and have Google perform multiple searches to compile a comprehensive answer on a single page. For example, instead of searching separately for vacation spots and then budgeting options, AI Mode lets you describe your entire plan—budget, preferences, and all—and it pulls everything together seamlessly.
I tested it by searching for a smartphone under $800 that runs Android, is available in the U.S., and has a great camera. What would normally take ages to sift through was done instantly by AI Mode.
Building on that, Search Live is another exciting feature coming soon. Similar to the Gemini app’s current functionality on Android, Search Live lets you show Google what’s happening in the real world through your camera and ask questions about it. The big upgrade? This will be integrated directly into Google Search, so you won’t need an Android phone or the Gemini app to access it. It’s rolling out globally later this summer, making this real-time interactive search experience accessible to everyone.
🎬 Creating with Flow and Veo: AI-Powered Video Generation
One of the most fascinating yet slightly intimidating demos was Flow, which is built on top of Google’s Veo image creation platform. While Imagine AI creates still images, Veo takes it a step further by generating eight-second moving pictures—essentially short video clips.
With the upcoming Veo 3, you’ll be able to create synced video and audio clips, including dialogue—a huge leap forward in AI video creation.
Though I didn’t get to try Veo 3 at I/O because it takes up to 10 minutes to process prompts, I did experiment with Veo 2. I typed a prompt about a bug droid having a date with a cat and got exactly the clip I envisioned. You can edit these clips on a timeline and even extend their length.
This tech made me wonder if filmmakers might be out of a job soon—but don’t worry. When I tried a second clip, it ignored the first and turned the bug droid into a quirky 1950s-style robot, showing there’s still a long way to go before AI replaces human creativity.
🦾 Gemini-Powered Robotics: Talking to Robots Is Now Real
Finally, I experienced something that felt like science fiction come to life—a robot powered by Gemini AI. Using voice commands, I directed two robotic hands to move and reorganize objects. The process was as simple as speaking into a microphone and watching the robot follow through.
What’s incredible is that these robots aren’t pre-programmed for specific tasks. They visually identify objects, interpret commands using Gemini’s algorithms, and execute them autonomously. This kind of intuitive interaction wasn’t possible just five or ten years ago.
While there were some hiccups—the robot misunderstood a few commands and sometimes kept executing after finishing—the overall experience was impressive and hints at how robotics and AI will blend in everyday life soon.
Conclusion: Exciting Times Ahead for Google and AI Technology
Google I/O 2025 was packed with awe-inspiring innovations that hint at a future where AI, AR, VR, and robotics seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. From the promising Android XR glasses and immersive Project Muhan headset to smarter AI-powered search and creative video tools, the pace of progress is exhilarating.
Most exciting to me is how accessible many of these features will soon become—whether it’s AI Mode in search or the upcoming Search Live functionality available to everyone globally.
What about you? Which of these innovations do you find the most exciting? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your take!
FAQ 🤔
What is Android XR and how does it work?
Android XR is Google’s platform for augmented and mixed reality experiences on wearable devices like AR glasses. The current prototypes connect to your phone to receive notifications, navigation, and AI-powered information through Gemini.
When will Samsung’s Project Muhan headset be released?
The exact release date, official name, and pricing for Project Muhan have not been announced yet. It is expected to launch sometime later in 2025.
Can I try AI Mode in Google Search right now?
Yes! You can sign up for Google Labs within Search to try out AI Mode, which enables complex multi-step searches to be answered in a simplified, comprehensive format.
What is Google’s Flow and Veo technology?
Flow is an AI-powered video creation tool built on Veo, Google’s platform that generates short moving images and videos with synced audio, including dialogue. It’s still in development but shows great promise for creative applications.
How does Gemini-powered robotics work?
Gemini AI enables robots to visually identify objects and understand voice commands, allowing users to interact naturally with robotic hands that can perform tasks like moving or organizing items.
