Google I/O Unveils Wallet, Wear OS, and Play Store Enhancements

Google I/O 2025 revealed a suite of practical updates that extend beyond the spotlight on artificial intelligence, focusing on enhancing everyday user interactions across devices.

Live Updates Arrive on Smartwatches

Google is extending its Live Updates feature—previously announced for Android 16 smartphones—to Wear OS smartwatches by 2026. This functionality allows users to track real-time statuses for deliveries, rideshares, and navigation directly from their wrists, mirroring Apple’s Live Activities on watchOS. This integration promises to make glanceable information more accessible and convenient.

Google Wallet Enhancements Simplify Access

The introduction of Nearby Passes notifications in Google Wallet means users will receive timely prompts to access relevant passes—such as boarding passes or gym memberships—based on their location. This feature reduces friction by enabling one-tap access to passes when needed. Additionally, Google is expanding digital ID support to more U.S. states and the UK, while airlines can now automatically push boarding passes to Wallets upon check-in, streamlining travel experiences.

New Payment and Developer Tools in Google Play Store

A standout feature is the “Ask someone else to pay” button, enabling users to request payment from individuals outside their Google Family group via a payment link. Initially launched in India, this feature is expanding to the US, Japan, Indonesia, and Mexico, enhancing purchase flexibility. Google is also simplifying subscription purchases by allowing add-ons to be bought with a single transaction tied to a base subscription.

For developers, Google is introducing controls to halt problematic app releases mid-rollout, preventing buggy versions from reaching new users. Enhanced Play Store listings will support content carousels, YouTube playlists, and audio samples—particularly beneficial for health and wellness apps. New topic pages will curate timely and engaging content for entertainment and sports, enriching user discovery.

Google TV Gains Audio and Design Upgrades

Android 16’s arrival on Google TV introduces Material 3 Expressive design elements for a refreshed user interface. A new MediaQualityManager API will empower apps to automatically select optimal picture profiles, enhancing visual quality. Furthermore, Google TV will support the Eclispa Audio codec, a spatial audio format developed in collaboration with Samsung, promising immersive sound experiences.

Together, these updates demonstrate Google’s commitment to refining cross-device functionality and user convenience, setting the stage for more integrated and seamless digital experiences in the near future.