Google’s annual developer conference, Google I / O, is scheduled to take place this week, kicking off with an opening presentation on Wednesday, May 11, at 1 p.m. ET. Although the conference itself aims to help developers get the most out of Google’s tools and platforms, the main note is relevant to a much wider audience, with hardware and software announcements for products to be released in the next 12 months. .
This year we could see a number of hardware messages during the main report. Rumors continue about the first wearable device of the search giant, Pixel Watch, as well as its analogue of last year’s Pixel 6 smartphones. It is possible to see a new pair of real wireless headphones. And maybe even some surprises.
Smart watch, smartphone and lots of Android
The software messages are likely to focus on Google’s major operating systems, such as Android 13, the next major version to be released later this year. Google presenters could also announce new features for other platforms such as Wear OS or Android TV. The company’s ever-growing range of services (consider Google Maps or workplace tools like Google Docs) is also likely to get some improvements.
Here is a full overview of what we expect:
An expired Pixel Watch prototype between the 40mm Apple Watch (left) and the 46mm Samsung Galaxy Watch. Photo: tagtech414 (Reddit)
Google may finally announce its Pixel Watch
Rumors that Google is making its own smartwatch have been around forever, but 2022 may finally be the year it actually happens. There are leaks of specifications, design leaks and documentation from the US Patent and Trademark Office, revealing the name of the Pixel Watch. Most importantly, however, is an obvious prototype of the smartwatch found abandoned in a restaurant, leading to a flood of photos posted online.
Between all the leaks, we’re starting to get a pretty good idea of what shape the Pixel Watch will take. The big question now is whether all of Google’s investments (which include spending billions on Fitbit) can create something that can pose a real challenge to Apple’s dominance.
Unofficial images of the expected design of the Pixel 6A. Image: Steve Hemmerstoffer / 91Mobiles
New Pixel 6A mid-range
Over the past three years, Google has followed each of its flagship Pixel smartphones with a more affordable version with reduced specifications. This year is the turn of the Pixel 6, but rumors suggest that the Pixel 6A may be slightly different from previous A-series phones.
While phones like the Pixel 4A and 5A share similar camera features with their leading counterparts with less powerful processors, reports show that the Pixel 6A may change that approach. A report from 9to5Google last year suggested that the new phone might include the same Tensor processor as the Pixel 6, but a lowered 12-megapixel main camera sensor instead of the Pixel 6’s 50-megapixel sensor.
A Google I / O announcement will come a little earlier than the August launches we’ve usually seen for mid-range Google phones. But the recent FCC submission time indicates that its launch may be just around the corner.
Maybe some professional wireless headphones
This rumor is less certain, but a recent leak from John Prosser suggests that Google is preparing to release a new set of true wireless headphones called the Pixel Buds Pro. Not much is known about their potential features and specifications, but the use of the word “Pro” in the name of a set of headphones is commonly used to show that they support active noise reduction – the first of Google’s truly wireless headphones.
Currently, Google sells only one pair of true wireless headphones, the Pixel Buds A-Series, which was originally announced as a more affordable analogue of the second generation Pixel Buds. But since Pixel Buds has been discontinued, Google is only selling the available entry in the range. Adding a Pro brand record would be a natural change.
Layout of the notification permission that Android 13 apps may need to request. Image: Google
Lots of details for Android 13
On the software side, there is Android 13, the next major version of Google’s mobile operating system. Technically, it’s already in beta – offering a glimpse into Google’s plans for the update – but only after the I / O will we get a full picture of Google’s overall vision for Android 13.
For now, it looks like Android 13 is set to continue much of the work Google started with Android 12. Last year’s custom themes (labeled Material You) are likely to be expanded to include more UI elements in the operating system, and Google continues to restrict which aspects of the operating system Android applications have access to by default. All the news about big new initiatives will probably appear during the main Google report.
And maybe, just maybe, some folding news
Android 13 is not the only major update that Google is coming to its mobile OS this year. There’s also Android 12L, a new version of the operating system optimized for tablets and folders. We know that it will be released at some point this year and will be delivered to devices from Samsung, Lenovo and Microsoft. I / O would be a good time for the search engine to offer more specific details.
Android 12L is designed for folding and tablets
In addition to software, it has long been rumored that Google is working on one or two of its own folding devices. At one point, there were rumors that they would be released last year, but given the lack of leaks recently, the announcement doesn’t seem inevitable. After all, foldable phones are still many niche products outside of China, although Samsung is now in its third generation of foldable devices.
Signs of a new Nest Hub?
Given that it’s only been a year since Google released its latest Nest Hub smart display, it seems premature to expect further action. But a March 9to5Google report said we could see one with a removable screen that could be used as a tablet at some point this year. The form factor sounds as if it would be ideal as a smart home controller and would also explain the renewed attention that Google is paying to tablets.
But with an obscure 2022 launch date, there is no guarantee that Google will be ready to unveil the new device this week, and that is, if it exists at all.
Depict what the Pixel Watch interface might look like. Image: Evan Blas / 91Mobiles
Plus updates for its other platforms
Of course, Android is not the only operating system that Google runs. It also has a Wear OS for smartwatches, which will almost certainly get some attention on stage if Google finally announces its Pixel Watch this week. Even if it doesn’t, the presentation comes a year after Google announced it would merge its platform with Samsung’s Tizen. (The resulting software continued to appear on the Galaxy Watch 4.) And it looks like Google will have more to add to this.
There may be Smart TV software
There’s also Android TV and Google TV software designed for – you guessed it – TVs. And we know they have some new features coming this year, because one of the product managers said that back in January. Support for home fitness training is obviously something the company is interested in, along with offering more intelligent home controls and video conferencing services.
Expect many Google software and service updates
Far from hardware- and platform-specific messages, the main note of Google I / O would not be complete without the search giant, which announced updates for a handful of its many applications and services. Last year, for example, we saw a locked folder feature announced for Google Photos, Google Maps augmented reality view updates, and a new smart lane initiative for office productivity software designed to make its various services more connected. .
Given the huge range of software offerings from Google, it is difficult to make specific predictions about which of them will attract the attention of the scene this year. But I guess Google Workspace will probably be in a prominent place. Smart canvas has already led to some slippery new features for Google Docs, and I suspect this is just the beginning of Google’s plans to revise its office software for remote work.
With some surprises thrown in for a good measure
Far from the more typical product messages, Google always has a few surprises up its sleeve for I / O. Last year, he unveiled an experiment called Project Starline, a video chat booth designed to give the impression that you were sitting right in front of someone who might be hundreds of miles away. Along with other AR / VR projects we’ve heard of (such as Project Iris augmented reality headphones), this is not yet a real product and could be as early as 2024. But Google is often eager to show this kind of early R&D projects this year is unlikely to be an exception.
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