Google I/O is simply across the nook, and issues are already shaping up for fairly an eventful convention. Whereas we are able to undoubtedly anticipate quite a lot of developer speak on the occasion, there are tons of keynotes and consumer-focused options that may come out of I/O. If we’re fortunate, we’d even get a {hardware} announcement or two.
Except for the official schedule that Google has already posted, there have been a ton of leaks to assist us paint an image of what we are able to anticipate from the massive occasion. Google I/O 2022 commences on Might 11, which is lower than two weeks away, giving us loads of time to get excited for what’s to return! This is a listing of what we anticipate to see on the occasion, together with some hypothesis on what Google may announce.
Android 13
Google’s subsequent main OS model is already right here… kind of. The corporate lately launched the first Android 13 beta, placing us nearer to the ultimate launch. Whereas there was a lot to see all through the beta and former developer previews, we anticipate Google to have much more to say in regards to the options we are going to see within the remaining model.
Android 13 is not anticipated to be the identical main overhaul as Android 12 was. Nonetheless, it looks like Android 13 will construct on Android 12L, refining a lot of the work to optimize Android for larger-screened gadgets like foldables and tablets.
Put on OS 3
We heard lots about Put on OS 3 at Google I/O final yr, however other than the Galaxy Watch 4 working Samsung’s taste, we now have but to see the inventory expertise in motion. That is what we anticipate to seem on most of the greatest Put on OS watches when the replace rolls out later this yr. We have already seen glimpses of it by means of the Put on OS emulator, however it’s time we get a full take a look at Put on OS 3 after it was introduced a complete yr in the past.
Optimistically, Google may even give us a agency date on once we can anticipate the replace to roll out on present eligible smartwatches. However in fact, we won’t speak about Put on OS 3 with out mentioning…
Pixel Watch?
We’re unsure about this one, however it appears seemingly. Leaks have been ramping up these days, particularly after the Pixel Watch was “accidentally” left in a Chicago restaurant. The gadget seems precisely like what we have seen in earlier renders, and it has us cautiously optimistic about Google’s first smartwatch.
We hear that it may very well be introduced or no less than teased at Google I/O, with a full launch occurring alongside the Pixel 7 collection. This is hoping we hear one thing!
Good House
Google has been making many adjustments to its Google House app, revamping UI components to make it simpler to make use of and way more useful. We anticipate the corporate is as much as one thing and that there may very well be way more on the horizon. There was speak of a new Nest Hub show with a tablet-like design, and such a tool will seemingly require an improve to Google’s good residence platform.
There’s additionally the matter of Matter and the corporate’s efforts with the unified good residence commonplace. Sure, it retains getting delayed, however Massive Tech appears fairly dedicated. Due to this fact, we think about there is likely to be extra to say about it at I/O.
Pixel 6a
In contrast to final yr’s late launch of the Pixel 5a, Google is predicted to introduce the Pixel 6a at I/O, no less than in response to one rumor. It is seemingly that it’ll sport the identical design as its higher-end siblings, which is not a nasty factor. That mentioned, regardless of the chance that will probably be powered by the identical Tensor chipset, the Pixel 6a will seemingly have a number of downgrades as properly.
A current leak means that the 6a will not assist the identical digital camera options because the Pixel 6 flagships. That may very well be as a result of lesser digital camera {hardware}, as it should seemingly have the identical main digital camera present in previous Pixels. Nonetheless, this might find yourself being one of many greatest funds Android telephones of the yr, and Google ought to undoubtedly goal to launch it sooner fairly than later.
Google Pay
We anticipate Google to speak in size about its apps and software program, however Google Pay has been within the highlight lately, and we won’t assist however really feel like Google has one thing deliberate for I/O. Current stories point out that the corporate is gearing as much as rebrand its digital pockets, bringing us again to Google “Wallet” whereas retaining the Google Pay title for transactions.
In some methods, it looks like a logical transfer, significantly given the corporate’s need to show Google Pay right into a “complete digital pockets.” It appears seemingly we’ll hear extra about Google’s ambitions at I/O.
What to not anticipate
Whereas we anticipate some {hardware} bulletins at I/O, we would not maintain our breath for an excessive amount of of that. On condition that we’re ready for the Pixel 6a to launch, Google is unlikely to even point out the Pixel 7 at I/O. And whereas rumors point out that the Pixel 7 is not the one flagship we are able to anticipate this yr, the Pixel Notepad foldable is rumored to launch someday in October.
As talked about earlier than, it appears Google would possibly tease the Pixel Watch at I/O, however a full unveiling most likely will not happen till later this yr, just like how Google pre-announced the Pixel 6 collection final yr.
One other factor we do not anticipate to see is Challenge Iris. That is the title of Google’s rumored AR headset. We have seen the corporate make headway in AR, significantly with Google Lens. Nonetheless, the corporate seemingly needs to construct its personal {hardware} to counter Meta’s ambitions. That mentioned, we do not anticipate this to reach till 2024, so we’re unlikely to listen to about it at I/O this yr. That’s if Google stays dedicated to the mission.