I decided on a whim to watch Google’s I/O. This is the first Google I/O I’ve watched. I have a few observations.
Apple Intelligence Is Not in the Same League
Assuming what was demonstrated doesn’t turn out to be vaporware (or abandonware), the products shown were impressive. Based on the Google tools I’ve used—Gemini Flash, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and NotebookLM—and what was demonstrated, Apple Intelligence is not in the same league. That said, we don’t yet know what Apple will unveil in June. Apple has a history of arriving late, then catching up—and even surpassing—the competition. It’s happened more than once. Time will tell.
The Presentation Was Boring
Although the technical capabilities are impressive, Google’s presentations are boring to watch—unless you’re a programmer. Apple is far better at theatrics.
Artificial Intelligence Will Let Us Do Amazing Things
The AI we’re using now is the worst we’ll ever use. We’re still in the “dial-up” phase. AI is going to enable us to do extraordinary things. Google Meet’s live translation, Canvas, and other products are already impressive. When live translation is embedded in glasses, a pin, or a watch, we’ll be able to travel anywhere in the world and communicate with others—at least with those who also have access to the technology.
The competition between Apple, Google, MS, and others is good for all of us. WWDC will be interesting—I wonder how Apple’s products will compare to what Google is offering.
You have to take demonstrations at Google I/O with a bit of salt.
A handful of years ago they demoed agents that sounded lifelike that could make calls for you and complete basic transactions. In 2025 i’ve yet to see this become a thing. I do think AI is going evolve into something more than raising the baseline and more towards pushing the ceiling up.
If Apple can do the unthinkable and make App Intents the Operating System of AI then it’s possible they can Millennium Falcon Hyperdrive their way to the lead.
That was a live demo at I/O 2018. Some said it was unethical that the AI did not identify itself, others just said it was creepy. I doubt most would have a problem using it today.
Apple Keynote June 9, 10 a.m. PDT
WWDC25 kicks off with a first look at the groundbreaking updates coming to Apple platforms.
Platforms State of the Union June 9, 1 p.m. PDT
Following the Keynote, the Platforms State of the Union will take a deeper dive into the new tools that will further empower Apple developers
I would debate that. IMO it was fascinating. So much more impressive than the software part of recent WWDC. If Apple were able to chart a future this impressive and this plausible I would be very happy. I am an Apple fan boy, and this all makes me embarrassed. Sundar is so much more impresive than Tim.
I even enjoyed the cute introduction video. I recommend this keynote to everyone on this forum.
I should clarify: the content wasn’t boring—the presentation was. That said, I think Google is moving in an exciting and strategic direction. In fact, I almost feel like Mahmoud Itani who wrote in Macworld:
I can’t believe I’m about to state this, but I’m considering switching from iOS to Android. Not right now, but what I once considered an absurd notion is rapidly becoming a realistic possibility. While Apple may have an insurmountable lead in hardware, iPhones and Android phones are no longer on par with each other when it comes to AI and assistants, and the gap is only growing wider. At its annual I/O conference on Tuesday, Google didn’t just preview some niche AI gimmicks that look good in a demo; it initiated a computing revolution that Apple simply won’t be able to replicate anytime soon, if ever.
Since you have been experimenting with NoteBookLM I thought you might find this interesting. Google has loaded "tons of sources, including YouTube videos of keynote speeches and product demonstrations, blog links, press releases and more. Everything’s uploaded there so you can ask NotebookLM to help you make sense of it. "
Google I/O 2025 seems to be its way of saying “We are not behind”.
s fly past my eyes and I look up a little and see your name above them!