Android 16 introduces new design, Gemini features and security
"Android devices are always pushing the industry forward," said Samat. "It's the platform where you see the future first."
A key focus of the announcement was the debut of Material 3 Expressive, which Android's Mindy described as "the biggest evolution of our design language in years." She explained, "Android's beautiful new design is flexible and customisable to reflect your personality and style."
Material 3 Expressive introduces updated colour themes, typography, and responsive animations across phones and wearables. "You'll see more natural and springy animations… just look at those silky smooth physics and the soft haptic rumble," she said. A new notification feature called Live Updates will also "highlight what you need to know so you can stay focused about what you care about," including real-time updates from apps like Uber Eats.
Wearables are also being refreshed with Wear OS 6, bringing Material 3 Expressive to round watch displays. "Notice how every element, from buttons to notifications, embrace the circular screen," said Mindy, adding that it offers "up to 10% battery improvement" due to platform-level optimisations.
The Gemini assistant has been deeply integrated across the Android experience. "It isn't just an app, like on some other phones," said a presenter. "It's a powerful assistant, just one press away." Available in over 40 languages, Gemini Live allows users to share their screen or camera feed to receive real-time support. One demonstration showed Gemini extracting information from a lengthy email to determine lunch plans: "It looks like lunch is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Google cafeteria and it's a buffet."
Gemini Live also provides advice through camera view. "The sponge is for blending, the bottle is foundation… and the small jar is concealer," Gemini responded when shown a collection of makeup items.
Beyond phones and watches, Gemini is expanding to other platforms. "In the coming months we're bringing Gemini to your watch on Wear OS," one speaker said. "Later this year, Gemini capabilities are coming to your TV too," and eventually to Android XR, Google's upcoming extended reality platform developed in collaboration with Samsung.
The announcement also highlighted cross-device connectivity, such as seamless messaging through RCS, now the messaging standard on Android and iOS. "In the US alone, there are more than a billion RCS messages sent every day," Samat noted.
On the security front, Android is rolling out new protections against scams, malware, and theft. "Android detects [fraudulent calls] and gives you a real-time alert," said Stella, a presenter covering security updates. Scam detection has now expanded to text conversations and is processed "entirely on your device."
The Find My Device network is being rebranded as Find Hub, with new features for tracking personal items, checking loved ones' locations, and viewing shared tags. "Find Hub was designed with safety in mind," said Stella. She also confirmed satellite connectivity is coming to Find Hub later this year.
Samat concluded the show by calling Android 16 "one of the biggest Android updates ever." He stated, "Watch out for updates coming to your Pixel devices starting next month, with Samsung and many others this summer."
The Android Show closed with a look at recent Android-powered devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 9a, and Motorola Razr Ultra, all featuring Gemini integration. As Dieter Bohn noted during the device showcase, "It's not just that some of the best phones you can get right now run Android… it's also that there's an incredible diversity of devices so you can pick something that actually fits your vibe."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Techday NZ
8 hours ago
- Techday NZ
Goodbye SEO, hello GEO: How AI is reshaping brand discovery
As language models replace traditional search, brands must master generative engine optimisation to stay visible In May, news emerged that sent ripples through the tech world: Google searches in Apple's Safari had apparently dropped for the first time in 22 years, according to testimony made by Apple's Eddy Cue during Google's antitrust trial. While later Google countered that "query growth" is up, the contradiction itself reveals a shift that's already underway. Whether the reality is declining searches or changing search patterns, the trend points in one direction: people are increasingly turning to LLMs for answers. Ask ChatGPT about the best car brands for families, and you'll get a curated list. Search for laptop recommendations, and the AI serves up specific models with reasoning. But notice which brands make those lists and which don't. This represents more than a technological preference. The rapid transition from traditional search engines to AI-powered language models represents a complete restructuring of the discovery layer between brands and customers. And many businesses haven't noticed they're already losing. This trend has given rise to what is being called generative engine optimisation (GEO), the new discipline of optimising content for AI-powered responses rather than traditional search rankings. The visibility challenge The shift from traditional search engines to AI-powered language models represents a complete reshaping of how consumers discover, evaluate, and engage with brands. Those that fail to recognise and respond to this shift risk becoming invisible at the moment of decision. Brands that are not surfaced in LLM-generated responses will see a significant decline in visibility, resulting in downstream impacts on customer acquisition, brand relevance, and market competitiveness. Importantly, this isn't a reflection of product quality, but of digital discoverability: if a brand isn't mentioned, trusted, or properly structured in the sources LLMs rely on, it may simply not exist in the eyes of the AI, or the customer. This transition marks a new brand-customer dynamic, where visibility is no longer about search engine rankings alone, but about being contextually relevant, credibly cited, and machine-readable. Brands that embrace this reality early by adapting content, enhancing structured data, and embedding themselves in trusted digital ecosystems, will establish a lasting competitive edge. Those that delay will not merely fall behind, they risk being excluded from the AI-powered discovery layer entirely. Who wins and who loses While the shift toward AI-mediated discovery poses challenges across all industries, the impact won't be uniform. The degree to which brands face existential risk from this transition depends largely on the nature of their products, customer relationships, and purchase drivers. Understanding these differences is critical for prioritising response strategies and resource allocation. Some purchases are driven by emotion or identity rather than logic, price, or features. Luxury fashion and high-end cars fall into this category, and as a result, are less likely to be impacted by shifts in consumer decision-making. In contrast, products like utilities are essential, broadly interchangeable, and often chosen based on price or promotional offers rather than brand loyalty. This divide will deepen as AI agents begin to play larger roles in decision-making and action pathways. When decision-making occurs without humans in the loop, brand presence such as mental availability becomes less relevant. Instead, the agent's choices will be driven primarily by product attributes, features, and consumer reviews. Consider a future where your AI assistant automatically switches your energy provider based on quarterly rate comparisons, or books travel based on optimal price-to-convenience ratios. As the way people search and discover products changes, brands that adapt to this new environment will be best placed to succeed. This means actively engaging with how AI systems interpret and present information. Mastery of tools like prompt engineering, investment in training partnerships, or the development of custom GPTs can all help confirm products and services are accurately and favourably surfaced in AI-mediated environments. Brands that fail to understand how their audiences now phrase questions, conduct research, or engage with offerings will miss opportunities to evolve. Without these insights, businesses won't be able to redesign digital experiences, particularly websites, to support discovery and decision-making in an AI-driven Brands Must Do Where they once poured much marketing effort into search engine optimisation (SEO), brands must now rethink their digital presence for GEO, optimising not just for humans, but for the machines mediating those interactions. A brand's digital presence and content need to be more conversational and context-rich, rather than just keyword-dense. At BRX, we specialise in AI-driven marketing and have developed strategies to help drive GEO success: Audit your brand's presence across trusted sources. Are you mentioned on CHOICE, Canstar, Reddit, Whirlpool? If not, why not? Update your structured data. Use schema markup and keep pricing, availability, and product specifications always accurate. Drive positive reviews. Be a part of brand dialogue that matters to your category like Trustpilot, Google, TripAdvisor. Optimise for natural language. Rewrite content to reflect how people actually ask questions in LLMs, not keyword-stuffing. Format your language for skim readers and scanners with a "too long; didn't read." Create content that simplifies decisions. Think comparison tables, FAQs, expert explainers, and product fit guides. These steps form the foundation of AI-ready brand presence, but success requires more than checking boxes. The brands that will really thrive in this environment will also share some common characteristics. At BRX, we think brands that win will be those who: Sit outside the dynamic of price and features Create conversational content that answers real questions Prioritise structured clarity in product and service info Maintain consistency across official and third-party sources Earn trust through verified experiences, not just promises Provide highly specific answers to hyper-individual questions In this new environment, the marketer's job is no longer just to shape consumer perception but to influence the AI's perception of their brand. To "win" in AI-generated conversations, content flooding is no longer just a visibility tactic, it's a visibility imperative. Brands that dominate the content space are disproportionately represented in LLM outputs. Flooding without a customer-centric lens, however, risks damaging the post-click experience. The challenge is balancing volume with quality. The emerging reality is that websites are increasingly serving LLMs first, customers second. This creates a tension: you may be designing an experience that LLMs find useful, but human users do not. Time to act AI systems now influence how customers discover brands, and brands need to get out ahead of this. As AI and AI agents will be increasingly making decisions without human input, brands need to audit their AI visibility, create conversational content, and balance quantity with quality in their digital presence. The first step is simple but critical: audit what AI systems currently say about your brand. Ask multiple LLMs about your product category and see if you appear. If you don't, investigate the sources they cite and understand what ecosystems are influencing their responses. Modern LLMs with research functions provide sources that serve as helpful research starting points. Use this intelligence to understand where you need to appear to start showing up in LLM results. Given the complexity and rapid evolution of AI systems, partnering with specialists who understand this landscape can accelerate your progress. BRX helps brands navigate GEO with AI-native strategies that deliver measurable improvements in AI visibility and engagement. The brands that recognise this shift early and master GEO won't just maintain their market position; they'll capture market share from competitors who remain focused on traditional search optimisation. In a world where AI increasingly mediates brand discovery, being invisible to artificial intelligence means being invisible to customers." This emphasises the value proposition of working with experts who understand the complexity and fast-moving nature of AI, rather than trying to figure it out alone.
Techday NZ
8 hours ago
- Techday NZ
Google adds photo-to-video tool to Gemini as Veo 3 rollout expands
Google has announced a significant update to its Gemini AI platform, introducing a new feature that allows users to transform their photos into dynamic eight-second video clips with sound. The tool, powered by Google's latest video generation model Veo 3, is now available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in over 150 countries, with the company highlighting rapid uptake and creative experimentation since the model's initial launch. David Sharon, Multimodal Generation Lead for Gemini Apps, said, "We launched our state-of-the-art video generation model Veo 3 in May - and last week, we expanded access to Google AI Pro subscribers in over 150 countries. Now, with a new photo-to-video capability in Gemini, you can now transform your favourite photos into dynamic eight-second video clips with sound." Describing the process, Sharon added, "To turn your photos into videos, select 'Videos' from the tool menu in the prompt box and upload a photo. Then, describe the scene and any audio instructions, and watch as your still image transforms into a dynamic video. You can get creative by animating everyday objects, bringing your drawings and paintings to life or adding movement to nature scenes. Once your video is complete, tap the share button or download it to share with friends and family." According to Google, the reception from users has been swift and enthusiastic. "The explosion of creativity from users has been truly remarkable, with over 40 million Veo 3 videos generated across the Gemini app and Flow over the last seven weeks. From reimagining fairy tales through the eyes of a modern influencer, to ASMR videos exploring what it would sound like to cut through a piece of cooling lava, your imagination is the limit when you create videos with Gemini," Sharon said. The new photo-to-video feature is being rolled out alongside broader access to Veo 3, Google's latest iteration in text-to-video artificial intelligence. Veo 3 is already recognised for its ability to produce high-definition video clips with synchronised sound and lifelike motion, generated entirely from user prompts. The model delivers results in eight-second clips, integrating both visuals and audio without the need for post-production editing. Google is positioning Veo 3 as both a creative and enterprise solution, with businesses able to access the technology through the Google Cloud Vertex AI platform. Creative professionals and app developers have begun using Veo 3 to accelerate workflows, generate marketing assets, and prototype video content in a fraction of the time previously required. The company also emphasises its commitment to responsible AI development and safety. "When you use our video generation tools, we want you to feel confident in the results. That's why we take significant steps behind the scenes to make sure video generation is an appropriate experience," Sharon explained. This includes what Google describes as "extensive 'red teaming,' in which we proactively test our systems and aim to fix potential issues before they arise," as well as "thorough evaluations to understand how our tools might be used and how to prevent any misuse." Safety measures extend to content labelling, as Sharon detailed: "All generated videos include a visible watermark to show they are AI-generated and an invisible SynthID digital watermark." Users are also encouraged to provide feedback on generated content, with Sharon stating, "Use the thumbs up and down buttons on your generated videos to give us feedback, which we'll use to make ongoing improvements to our safety measures and overall experience." Access to the new photo-to-video capability begins rolling out today for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in select countries. The same functionality is also available in Flow, Google's AI filmmaking tool, with the company continuing to expand availability to additional regions. "Your imagination is the limit when you create videos with Gemini," said Sharon.
Scoop
14 hours ago
- Scoop
AI Adoption Surges In NZ Workplaces But Training Fails To Keep Up
New research from recruitment specialists Cultivate and AI advisory reveals that while most Aotearoa workers feel optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI), critical gaps in employer support and training could leave many behind as AI adoption accelerates. The study of 829 white-collar workers, conducted in May 2025, provides a comprehensive view of how AI is impacting New Zealand's workplaces, and what lies ahead. Drawing on insights from a wide cross-section of industries, functions, and seniority levels, the research highlights that while large-scale disruption is still emerging, AI is already influencing how many workers deliver their roles, transforming processes and lifting productivity. 76% of workers report feeling positive about AI in their roles, driven largely by its power to reduce repetitive tasks and assist with communication, creativity, and information management. That positivity is building, with 62% saying they are more positive about AI today than they were 12 months ago. Yet this enthusiasm hasn't been matched by formal support, with only 13% of workers saying they've received company-led AI training. Over half have had no training at all. Despite this, 44% of workers are already using AI tools at least daily at work. 'This has been largely a bottom-up adoption story so far' says Tony Pownall, Co-Founder of Cultivate. 'Workers are embracing AI tools to make their jobs easier, but many are doing it without employer-led guidance, safeguards, or structured learning. That presents both a risk and a massive opportunity.' Among the most used tools are general AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity (used by 82% of respondents), followed by integrated productivity tools like Copilot and Gemini (53%). However, only 14% reported using custom-built or specialist AI solutions, a further sign that adoption remains largely employee-led rather than organisation-driven. Attitudes to AI and uptake at work appears consistent across gender, ethnicity, and age. However, those in Professional Services, Information & Communication Technology, and Utilities & Energy sectors were most likely to have integrated AI into their workflows. By role, those in technology, consulting, and marketing functions reported the highest rates of AI use. Although only 10% of respondents have seen job losses due to AI so far, nearly half (45%) expect their team's headcount to decrease in the next three years. Two-thirds believe at least part of their current role will be automated, and 15% expect their job to disappear entirely. Casual and temporary workers are already feeling this shift more acutely. They're the most likely to have witnessed AI-related job cuts and to anticipate further reductions. Nearly a quarter expect their entire role to be automated within three years. 'We were surprised to see such optimism given the level of anticipated role change,' says Tony Pownall. 'Our view is that AI users are discovering how AI can remove the mundane and make room for more meaningful, higher value work opportunities. That shift in mindset could be key to navigating what's ahead.' AI is already reshaping the hiring landscape too. According to the research, 42% of hiring leaders have already adjusted what they look for in candidates, and 60% say they'd pay a premium for demonstrated AI capability. 'Employers aren't just looking for people who can use AI, they want people who can think critically about it,' explains Trina Jones, Co-Founder of Cultivate. 'Our data shows the most valued skill is AI awareness, an understanding of what AI can and can't do in a work context. The top behavioural trait is critical thinking, which is the ability to question AI outputs rather than accept them blindly.' Responsibility for AI readiness now sits with both employers and workers. While daily AI use is common, nearly a third of workers still use AI monthly or less, and 36% say their organisation is not yet prepared to maximise AI's potential. Lack of time, limited internal capability, and absence of AI champions were cited as the biggest barriers to organisational preparedness. This signals a significant opportunity, and an urgent need, to close the gap between AI's availability and its effective use. 'This research is a wake-up call for everyone,' says Justin Flitter, Founder of 'AI isn't just coming, it's already transforming how we work. Not knowing where to start is no longer an excuse. Those who succeed will be the ones who act now, by upskilling, experimenting, and embedding AI into daily practice.' 'AI literacy is the new digital literacy,' concludes Jones. 'To stay relevant all workers need to take ownership of their learning and be able to show how they integrate AI safely and creatively, alongside sound judgement.' About the research This research was conducted in May 2025 and is based on responses from 829 individuals currently employed in white-collar roles across Aotearoa. Respondents came from a broad cross-section of industries, functions, and seniority levels. The survey primarily engaged prior job seekers and hiring managers within Cultivate's network, alongside members of online communities coordinated by Diversity Works, MyCareerBrand, Weave Leadership, and Data was collected via an online questionnaire, and for clarity, all percentages cited in the findings have been rounded to whole numbers. Summary of research findings: 'AI at Work: How AI Is Reshaping Roles in Aotearoa' 76% of workers feel positive about AI in the workplace, driven by its ability to reduce admin, assist communication, and support creative tasks. Only 13% of workers have received any company-led AI training, despite 44% already using AI tools daily. 57% of workers have had no AI training at all. The most used AI tools are general assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity (used by 82%), followed by productivity tools like Copilot and Gemini (53%). 10% have already witnessed AI-driven job losses in their team, while 45% expect headcount to drop in the next three years. Two-thirds believe some of their role will be automated, and 15% expect their job to disappear entirely. Temporary and casual workers are most affected.24% believe their entire role will be automated, and 61% expect their team to shrink. 42% of leaders have adjusted their hiring criteria due to AI, and 60% say they'd pay more for candidates with proven AI capability. The top skill leaders now value: AI awareness – understanding what AI can and can't do in context (72%). The top behaviour valued: Critical thinking – the ability to question AI outputs (69%). Over-reliance on AI without critical analysis is the #1 concern among leaders (70%). The most cited benefit of AI by leaders is productivity gains through reduced admin and improved service (81%). 36% of workers say their organisation is not yet prepared to maximise the benefits of AI. The top barriers to organisational readiness: lack of time, internal champions, and confidence in ROI. About Cultivate Cultivate is a New Zealand-based recruitment agency specialising in white-collar roles across a range of sectors, including permanent, temporary, and contract placements. Known for its deep industry expertise and inclusive, people-first approach, Cultivate partners with organisations of all sizes, from fast-growing startups to established enterprises, to deliver tailored hiring solutions. The team is committed to building capable, adaptable and representative workforces, while also helping job seekers find opportunities that align with their skills, values, and career goals. Cultivate was named SEEK's Medium Recruitment Agency of the Year in 2023 and 2024. Learn more at
