What it does

The upgraded Search experience goes well beyond traditional autocomplete. It now works as a collaborative tool, helping shape your query.

• Smarter query suggestions
   AI refines what you type, adding detail or nuance you may not have considered
• Combining multiple intents
   You can ask layered questions in a single search
• Follow-up questions in “AI mode”
   After searching, you can continue the conversation within the results page

Real-world impact 

This upgrade is subtle but powerful. Everyday users can enjoy:

• Less trial-and-error searching
• More intuitive interactions
• Faster decision-making

Over time, this could significantly change habits, moving away from short keyword searches towards more natural, detailed queries. 

What it does 

Ask Maps allows users to describe situations in conversational language, rather than relying on location-based search terms. For example: “I’ve spilt sauce on my shirt and have an interview in an hour. Where can I get a new one nearby?”

Instead of showing generic options, Maps processes the full context by:

• Understanding urgency (limited time before the interview)
• Interpreting intent (you need a quick, practical solution, not browsing options)
• Using location awareness to prioritise places you can realistically reach

It then delivers tailored recommendations, such as nearby shops within walking distance that are likely to meet your needs quickly.

Real-world impact 

For everyday users, Ask Maps could quickly become one of the most practical AI features introduced at Google I/O:

• Smarter recommendations while travelling
• Faster problem-solving
• Less manual filtering

In essence, it closes the gap between knowing what you need and finding where to look for it.

What it does 

Rather than relying solely on keywords and scrolling through results, users can now ask direct questions and receive guided AI-powered answers.

Here’s how to use Ask YouTube:

• Ask natural, everyday questions
• Receive tailored results that include:
  • Relevant videos matched to your query
  • Additional context or summaries to help you decide what to watch
• Ask follow-up questions to refine or expand your query without starting over 

Real-world impact 

For everyday users, this feature has clear and immediate benefits:

• A learning platform enhanced for education, tutorials, and problem-solving
• Less trial-and-error when trying to find useful videos
• More interactive discovery through follow-up questions 

This turns YouTube from a passive browsing platform into something more dynamic—closer to an interactive knowledge tool.

What it does 

Universal Cart allows you to add items to a single basket from multiple touchpoints across the Google ecosystem. 

This includes: 

• Browsing products in Google Search
• Chatting with Gemini
• Watching product reviews on YouTube
• Seeing recommendations in Gmail

Universal Cart is synchronised and up to date across your devices and apps. AI works in the background to track the item, surface relevant updates or options, and assist with completing the purchase flow. 

Real-world impact 

Universal Cart aims to remove the friction that comes with online shopping by: 

• Seamlessly bridging discovery and checkout
• Keeping everything organised in a single place for all potential purchases

This is less about adding new functionality and more about connecting existing behaviours into one smooth journey. The result is a more unified way to discover, track, and purchase products, regardless of where you find them.

What it does 

The Gemini experience blends design, usability, and creativity into a more cohesive platform:

• A refreshed interface
  • Fluid animations, smoother transitions, and modern typography 
  • Haptic feedback to make interactions feel more responsive 
• Simplified creative tools
  • Built-in templates for generating images, videos, and music 
• Enhanced Gemini Live experience
  • Faster access, opening more immediately when needed
• Voice personalisation 
  • Ability to choose a regional dialect for Gemini’s voice

Real-world impact 

For users, the following benefits could change how often (and how comfortably) they use AI tools:

• A more inviting interface 
• Faster and more accessible content creation
• More natural conversations

This is particularly important as AI becomes more embedded in daily life. Design and usability now matter just as much as capability.

What it does 

These glasses act as a lightweight extension of your phone, powered by Gemini and primarily controlled by voice.

Key capabilities include:

• Private audio feedback
  • Responses are spoken directly to you, rather than shown on a screen
• Voice interaction with Gemini
  
  • Ask questions, give instructions, or request actions in real time
• Everyday task support
  
  • Navigation – get directions while walking or travelling
  • Order items – place orders with confirmation before payment
  • Take photos – capture images directly from your perspective
  • App interaction – connect with your phone’s apps without needing to take it out of your pocket or bag

While not entirely hands-free (you’ll need to tap to activate), the experience is designed to minimise interruptions.

Real-world impact 

These glasses represent a broader shift in how we interact with technology:

• Reduced reliance on smartphones
• Seamless multitasking
• Bringing AI into physical environments rather than just the screen

This is part of a wider move towards more ambient computing, where technology fades into the background but remains instantly accessible.