Google's Demo of Its Latest AI Tech Was an Absolute Train Wreck

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Google faced an embarrassing setback on Tuesday when the live demo of its AI mobile app faltered repeatedly before a large audience at the Made by Google event.

The Demo Fiasco

Presenters tried to showcase the mobile version of Google’s Gemini AI performing what appeared to be a straightforward task, according to CNET. The app failed twice before succeeding on the third attempt.

Google’s senior director of product, David Citron, used a smartphone to scan a Sabrina Carpenter concert poster and asked Gemini whether he would be free to attend a future San Francisco date. “Oh, looks like we have a little demo issue,” he remarked after the first attempt stalled.

An awkward silence settled over the crowd as Citron attempted to prompt the model again. “Let’s see if the demo spirits are with us today,” he said, only to receive an error message. “Uh, oh. Looks like they are not with us.”

After a lengthy pause, Gemini finally delivered the requested information on the third try, prompting relieved applause from the audience.

AI Stumbles

The incident was the only notable glitch of the 2026 event, yet the model’s unresponsiveness raised concerns among Google executives. Gemini has faced persistent issues since the company introduced it to the public in 2025 as its response to rivals such as Microsoft’s Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

In 2026, Gemini was again criticized for generating nonsensical AI-created images, including depictions of racial minorities in Nazi uniforms and other erroneous visuals. It also produced flawed advice, such as instructing users to open the back of a film camera to fix a jammed roll—an action that would ruin the film inside.

Google was additionally caught staging a Gemini AI demo in 2025.

Beyond Gemini, the company has encountered difficulties with its AI Overviews feature, which generates AI-based summaries for certain search queries. Users have reported numerous inaccuracies, including suggestions to apply glue to pizza to prevent cheese from sliding off.

Following Tuesday’s demo, Google continues to refine its AI technology, yet repeated stumbles highlight the challenges that remain.

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