Gemini 3.5 Flash takes center stage
Google kicked off I/O 2026 by announcing Gemini 3.5 Flash, a faster and more capable AI model that will now serve as the default for the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search. The new model offers improved reasoning, faster response times, and better handling of complex queries. Google says Gemini 3.5 Flash is available starting today for all users. A more powerful Gemini 3.5 Pro model is expected next month.
The updates are part of Google's push to make AI more useful in everyday tasks. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, called it the 'Gemini era' during the keynote, emphasizing that AI should not just answer questions but also take actions.
Agentic AI comes to Gemini
Two new features stood out: Daily Brief and Gemini Spark. Daily Brief gives users a personalized AI-generated summary of news, emails, and calendar events each morning. Gemini Spark acts as an AI agent that can perform tasks like booking reservations, sending messages, and managing smart home devices. Both features represent Google's move toward 'agentic' AI that takes initiative rather than just responding to queries.
The company also announced Gemini Omni, a model that can create and edit videos. The feature is available for Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers globally starting today.
New hardware and design
Google announced a complete redesign of the Gemini app with Neural Expressive technology, making the AI's voice interactions more natural. The company also showed off new Samsung XR smart glasses that integrate Gemini AI, set for release this fall. The glasses will offer real-time translation, navigation overlays, and hands-free AI assistance.