Google I/O 2025: Gemini Everywhere All at Once
The "embeddification" of Gemini
Apple executives are probably feeling the heat after Google I/O. The tech giant’s annual showcase of its latest AI-heavy innovations comes right before Apple’s own developer conference next month. And unsurprisingly, Google I/O was all about Gemini and Google’s AI advancements.
From making Gemini Live (point your phone at anything and talk through a question or problem) available for free on Android and iOS to adding Gemini to Google Search via a new AI Mode to new AI generative tools to create images, videos, and even music, the key takeaway is how Google is integrating Gemini across its ecosystem.
And later this year, you can even have hands-free Gemini in the form of Android XR smart glasses and headsets. It’s like a super-powered version of the original Google Glasses. These smart glasses, which has a camera, microphones and speakers, work together with your phone. Imagine asking for turn-by-turn directions, sending messages, making appointments, or taking photos, without having to pull out your phone. Just talk to Gemini that’s running on the glasses.
For folks who aren’t too clued in on Gemini and other AI assistants, the video demo of the smart glasses, which will be made in partnership with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, is worth a watch.
Personally, the most important announcement at Google I/O — and one that’s likely to be overshadowed — is the launch of SynthID Detector, a new verification portal that helps identify AI-generated content. While it’s currently limited to content that’s generated by Google’s AI tools, Google says it has partnered with Nvidia, and is adding GetReal Security, the world’s leading content verification platform. Given how pervasive (and how good) AI generative tools are becoming, it’s crucial that we can distinguish the real from the fakes.
In other news, we tested a crazy affordable mechanical keyboard, an ultra-portable laptop from Vaio, and Bowers & Wilkins’ latest premium headphones.
With prices starting from as low as S$26 — if you’re buying from Taobao — the Weikav WK87 TKL offers insane value. Not only is it a capable mechanical keyboard with decent build quality, it’s also available with many options, including four switch types, choice of 4,000mAh or 8,000mAh battery, and keyboard colour.
Vaio is back in Singapore after a long absence. It’s not under Sony anymore, but the Vaio SX14-R still bears quite a lot of resemblance with older models. For starters, it’s so light and compact, coming in at around 1kg for a 14-inch. It also packs more connectors than usual, including an Ethernet port. However, you’ll have to pay quite the premium.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 offers a huge upgrade from the previous version. It has a new physical design that’s flatter and more compact, along with re-designed internals, and with spatial audio and Bluetooth LE Audio to come in a future update. These headphones sound great, with tight bass and excellent clarity and separation. The ANC, too, has been improved. Highly recommended.