Google I/O’s focus on AI was evident, with the new $249 Google AI Ultra plan being the main topic of discussion. This plan offers almost everything announced by Google during the event, including the Gemini 2.5 model, Flow with Veo 3, and early access to features like Project Mariner.
The plan includes 30TB of Google One storage and YouTube Premium, making it a comprehensive package for those who can benefit from these tools. However, the price point is steep, especially considering that the AI Pro subscription costs just $20 per month.
Google’s explanation for the high cost is that the Google AI Ultra plan provides “VIP access to all of Google’s AI.” While this may be appealing to developers and tech enthusiasts, it seems out of reach for regular consumers like the author. The keynote presentation was also deemed dull by some attendees, with many features feeling intangible and expensive.
The focus on AI and Search during I/O highlights that everything else is secondary. Android 16 and the Pixel 10 series are more relevant to consumers, but they won’t be arriving anytime soon. In the meantime, the $250 monthly subscription for Google AI Ultra seems like a luxury only a few can afford.
Source: https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/ai/new-ai-ultra-plan-just-put-a-gulf-between-me-and-google-io