At Google’s yearly developer event, I/O 2025, the focus was clearly on artificial intelligence. The company unveiled a long list of updates across many of Google’s products. From a $250/month Ultra subscription to a new AI-powered version of Search, Google shared a wide range of updates, some exciting, others likely to stretch your monthly budget. Whether you’re a developer, a business, or just someone who uses Gmail, there’s something here for you. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest announcements.
Gemini 2.5 models are now even smarter
Google’s flagship AI model, Gemini, got some serious upgrades. The new Gemini 2.5 Pro introduces a “Deep Think” mode designed to tackle complex mathematics and coding problems by weighing multiple possibilities before answering.
Meanwhile, Gemini 2.5 Flash, a faster, more affordable version, has been fine-tuned to handle long texts, images, code, and logic-heavy tasks more efficiently. It’s nearly as capable as Pro but uses 20–30 per cent fewer tokens, making it a budget-friendly option for developers who want high performance.
Google Beam: Project Starline is now real and has a new name
Remember Project Starline, Google’s 3D video chat booth that made it feel like the other person was right in front of you? It’s now a real product called Google Beam. It uses six cameras and AI to create a lifelike 3D video on a special display, with smooth real-time tracking at 60 frames per second. HP will launch Beam devices for businesses later this year, and companies like Deloitte, Duolingo, and Salesforce are already on board.
It may not replace Zoom right away, but it could make virtual meetings feel more real and less tiring.
AI Ultra might be a subscription service no one expected
In a surprise move, Google announced a new premium plan called AI Ultra, costing $250 per month.
For this high price, users get early access to Google’s newest AI tools, unlimited use of features like Deep Research, and 30TB of storage across Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail. It also includes YouTube Premium and access to test features like Project Mariner.
Google Meet now has real-time AI translation
Video calls with people who speak different languages will be easier. Google Meet now has AI that translates what you say into the other person’s language almost instantly. It even tries to copy your tone and way of speaking.
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Right now, it works between English and Spanish, but more languages will come soon. The feature is first available in beta for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
Gmail now has AI Smart Replies that sound like your own voice
Google’s AI is coming to your inbox to help you. Soon, Gmail will suggest smart replies that sound like you by learning how you write and your past emails. It pays attention to your usual greetings, tone, and favorite words to make better suggestions.
With your permission, Gemini can use info from your Gmail and Google Drive to write these replies. For example, if a friend asks about a trip, it can use your saved plans to help you reply.
This feature will start in July for English users on the web, iOS, and Android. It’s either very helpful or a little strange, depending on how you feel about AI copying your writing.
