How to Use the 100 New Tools Unveiled at Google I/O 2026

Problem

Every year Google I/O drops a flood of new products. In 2026 the list reached 100 items, from a new AI model to fresh Workspace features. Teams and individuals alike struggle to know where to begin, which tools fit their workflow, and how to activate them without getting lost in the hype.

Prerequisites

• A Google account with two‑factor authentication enabled.
• Access to the latest Chrome or Android version (released after May 2026).
• Basic familiarity with Gmail, Docs, Keep, and Google Cloud console.
• Internet connection of at least 10 Mbps for AI‑heavy features.

Steps

1. Activate the new AI hub

According to the Google AI Blog, the centerpiece of the announcements is Gemini Omni. Open ai.google.dev/omni, sign in, and click “Enable Gemini Omni”. The dashboard will guide you through quota allocation and model selection.

2. Test Gemini Omni in a sandbox

Start a new notebook in the AI Studio, paste a simple prompt like “Summarize the latest I/O announcements in three bullet points,” and run. The output demonstrates the model’s multimodal reasoning and will confirm the service is live.

3. Explore Google Antigravity

Google Antigravity, another headline from the I/O showcase, integrates with ARCore. Install the “Antigravity Explorer” app from the Play Store, grant camera permissions, and point your device at a flat surface. Tap the floating icon to lift virtual objects, then use pinch gestures to scale.

4. Set up Universal Cart

Universal Cart aims to simplify online purchases across Google services. In the Google Cloud console, navigate to “Marketplace → Universal Cart”. Click “Create Store”, choose a product feed, and publish. The system automatically syncs with Google Shopping and YouTube Shopping.

5. Enable voice in Gmail, Docs, and Keep

The Workspace update adds voice input to core apps. Open Gmail Settings → “Voice Compose”, toggle on. In Docs, click the microphone icon on the toolbar; in Keep, press the new voice note button. Speak your message, and the AI transcribes it instantly.

6. Try the new design tool – Google Pics

Google Pics, announced alongside the Workspace updates, lives inside the Google Drive UI. Click “New → Google Pics”, drag an image, then use the AI‑driven “Suggest Layout” button to generate polished graphics.

7. Turn on AI Inbox

AI Inbox now surfaces smart replies, priority sorting, and automatic follow‑up reminders. In Gmail Settings, enable “AI Inbox”. The system learns from your past actions and surfaces relevant threads on the top bar.

Pro Tips

• Pair Gemini Omni with Antigravity for rapid prototyping: generate a 3D model description with Omni, then import it directly into Antigravity for visual testing.
• Use voice commands to draft emails while reviewing Universal Cart orders; the AI can suggest product upsells.
• Set a daily “AI Digest” in Gmail to collect all AI‑generated insights from Gemini Omni and AI Inbox.
• Export Google Pics creations to Slides with one click; the AI preserves formatting.
• Give feedback through the “Help → Send Feedback” link in each new tool; Google uses it to refine models.

Next Steps

After you’ve confirmed each feature works, integrate them into your regular workflow. Schedule a 15‑minute weekly review to assess which tools deliver the most value and retire the rest.