Google I/O 2025 announced, Video Boost gets smarter, and Google Photos steps up for LA fire victims

Hey Pixel fans, grab your coffee (or, let’s be honest, your second cup), because we’ve got a fresh batch of juicy Google news. From the official dates for Google I/O 2025 to a Pixel Camera tweak that’ll make your life easier, and even a heartwarming move from Google Photos for LA fire victims — let’s dive in!

It’s official — Google’s biggest developer event of the year is happening on May 20-21 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. Sundar Pichai will kick things off with a keynote that’s bound to be packed with announcements, followed by deep-dive technical sessions for developers. But let’s be real — we’re all here for the Pixel goodies.

What can we expect? Based on Google’s ambitious 2025 roadmap, here’s what’s likely on the menu:

• Pixel 9a reveal – Google’s budget-friendly Pixel lineup usually debuts at I/O (although last year’s Pixel 8a launched a whole week ahead of the I/O), and this year should be no different. With rumors of a Tensor G4 chip and AI-powered camera enhancements, the Pixel 9a might just be a sleeper hit. Until then, check out some of the recently-leaked color options.
• Android 16 deep dive – We’ve already seen glimpses of Android 16, but I/O is where Google spills all the secrets. Expect new privacy features, more AI wizardry, and everything in between.
• Pixel Tablet 3 teaser – Google canceled Pixel Tablet 2 plans following the subpar performance of the first-gen experiment. Will Google refine it and bring us hints of what many of us expect to be a powerful, more polished sequel if and when it arrives? Fingers crossed!

Want to attend? Registration is open for everyone online at Google I/O 2025. Get hyped.

Ever been in the middle of filming something epic, only to realize Video Boost turned itself off? Yeah, that’s been a pain. But Google just fixed it.

Previously, Video Boost on the Pixel 8 Pro, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL would disable itself every time you closed the Camera app. Now, thanks to a sneaky update, it stays on. That means no more fumbling around trying to remember if it’s enabled before hitting record.

How do you know it’s working? Look for the little sparkle badge on the video camera icon. This tweak rolled out with Pixel Camera version 9.7.047.710329721.21, so if you haven’t updated yet — go do it!

While this doesn’t magically make 8K uploads faster (Google still processes them in the cloud, which can be a pain on mobile data), it does remove one annoying step. Progress, folks!

In a truly heartwarming move, Google Photos is offering free replacements for photo books, prints, and canvas orders lost in last month’s devastating Los Angeles fires. For many, losing a home is one thing, but losing irreplaceable memories is another level of heartbreak. Google Photos is stepping up to help.

Here’s how it works:

• If your phone had backup enabled, you can access all your photos and videos by logging into Google Photos from another device.
• Lost physical prints? Contact Google Support, and they’ll replace your order free of charge.

For years, Google Photos’ Print Store has let users order physical keepsakes, and this move solidifies Google’s commitment to preserving memories beyond the digital world. This initiative follows Google’s $15 million donation to disaster relief efforts, supporting organizations like the American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

If you or someone you know was affected, reach out to Google Photos Support to get those irreplaceable prints restored.

That’s a wrap on today’s biggest Pixel stories! Google I/O is shaping up to be a must-watch event, Pixel Camera is becoming more user-friendly, and Google Photos is proving tech can have a heart.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep that Pixel snapping!