Google’s annual I/O developer conference kicks off May 20, but the tech giant is warming up early with a dedicated "Android Show" on May 14. This year’s focus? A major Android overhaul, fresh AI tools, and a surprise VR comeback.

　Android 16

　The star of the May 14 preview, Android 16, will debut a new "Material 3 Expressive" design aimed at making apps cleaner and buttons easier to spot. Google claims users found the "send email" button four times faster in tests. The update also introduces "Ongoing Notifications" for real-time alerts and a smarter photo picker for cloud storage. A stable release could drop within weeks.

　Project Moohan: Google and Samsung’s VR Gamble

　After failed attempts with Glass and Daydream, Google is teaming up with Samsung on a mystery headset codenamed Project Moohan, powered by its Android XR platform. Details are scarce, but leaks suggest Gemini AI will play a key role. Samsung hinted at a 2025 launch, making I/O a likely stage for a preview.

　AI Takeover

　With Android content split off, the main I/O keynote will focus heavily on AI. Upgrades to Gemini Ultra, Google’s top-tier AI model, and new subscription tiers are expected. Tools like "AI Overview" for search and "Project Mariner," a web-browsing AI agent, may also get updates.

　Quick Hits

　NotebookLM: The AI note-taking tool launches a dedicated app on May 20, with early access for registrants.

　Wear OS: After a quiet 2024, Google’s smartwatch OS might tease minor updates during the Android Show.

　Wild Cards: Rumors swirl about experimental projects like "Video Overviews," an AI tool that generates video summaries.

　Google’s I/O runs through May 22, with sessions on Chrome, cloud services, and developer tools. For now, all eyes are on whether Android 16’s redesign—and that VR headset—can steal the spotlight from AI.