On May 14, Google will hold its yearly developer conference where it may reveal any updates or releases at the software-centered event.
Google has announced the date for the upcoming Google I/O in 2024, during which the company is anticipated to unveil a range of fresh products and features. Although most details have been kept confidential, it is highly likely that we will get a sneak peek at the Android 15 operating system at this highly anticipated event.
As this is a developer’s conference, much like Apple’s WWDC, we anticipate that the company will provide updates on WearOS, Google TV, and Gemini AI. Additionally, it is possible that a new budget Android smartphone may be unveiled.
When is Google I/O?
Google I/O, also known as Google’s annual developer conference, will take place over the course of two days, beginning on May 14 and ending on May 15. The opening day keynote is scheduled for 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 5 PM GMT on May 14 and will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.
How to watch Google I/O
The Google I/O event will be available for live streaming on both the official website and YouTube. In addition, you can use your Google account to register for updates on keynotes and on-demand sessions via the provided link.
Everything we expect at Google I/O
At this upcoming event, Google is anticipated to reveal a wide range of products and updates across various categories such as Accessibility, AI / Machine Learning, Android, Angular, AR/VR, Chrome OS, Cloud, Design, Firebase, Flutter, Go, Google Play, Location/Maps, Smart Home, Wear OS, and Web. Nevertheless, the following list highlights the most significant consumer-focused products that could be presented at the event.
- Google Pixel 8a: The Pixel 8a is the entry-level Pixel smartphone expected to be announced on May 14.
- At Google I/O, we will get a first look at Android 15, the upcoming operating system that will be used on Android devices globally. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to preview Android 15 before its official release.
- Android XR: Google has long been rumored to work closely with Samsung to build a new XR headset. We expect that some announcements around this will be made this year.
- Google has announced an event titled “Building for the future of Wear OS 5,”indicating that a new operating system for wearables may be revealed.
- The Google I/O 2024, like its predecessors, will have a strong emphasis on AI. Attendees can anticipate updates on Gemini, Google Assistant, and other applications that utilize AI technology.
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a has been the subject of numerous leaks, confirming that keeping secrets is not a strength of Google’s. The Pixel 8a is expected to provide a budget-friendly option for users to experience the features of a Pixel device. Upon release, it will be among the select devices with early access to the newest Android operating system updates.
Speculations indicate that the price of the Pixel 8a upon release could be the same as its predecessor – $499. However, sources suggest that this budget-friendly Pixel device may be priced higher this time around and could potentially retail for $549.
The upcoming Pixel 8a is anticipated to continue the trend of borrowing specs and features from last year’s flagship A series Pixel phones. The Pixel 8a is likely to be powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, which was also used in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. However, it is expected to have the same camera specs as the Pixel 7a, including a 64-megapixel primary camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 13-megapixel selfie camera. This may not meet the expectations of users seeking a more advanced camera setup.
The Pixel 8a is anticipated to feature a slightly refreshed design and is rumored to offer a selection of five different colors, such as blue, porcelain (beige), obsidian (black), green, and coral.
Google is anticipated to provide the Pixel 8a with up to 7 years of security and feature updates. Additionally, the device is likely to have an IP67 certification for water resistance and a battery life lasting over a day. It will also come equipped with various AI tools such as photo editing features, Circle to Search, and the Gemini AI assistant.
Android 15
At Google I/O, it is typical for Google to offer a sneak peek of the upcoming Android OS. It is anticipated that this trend will continue this year, with the first official glimpse of Android 15 – internally referred to as Vanilla Ice Cream – potentially being revealed before its official release to users at the end of the year.
Google has initiated the testing of Android 15 by releasing two developer previews and a beta version. This enables the company to assess the stability of different features or APIs and detect and eliminate any bugs.
Early indications show that Android 15 may be a minor upgrade from Android 14 and may have a similar appearance to its previous version. Nevertheless, we can anticipate improved functionality and fresh additions.
Some of the expected features include support for Satellite connectivity, partial screen sharing, new camera control options, Private Space, enhancements in multitasking, and other improvements.
Only features that have been thoroughly tested and deemed ready will be included in the initial release of Android 15. Other features will be added in subsequent updates throughout the year as part of a wider consumer rollout. We can expect Google to reveal the full version of Android 15 at their annual keynote, typically held towards the end of the year.
Android XR
During Google I/O 2024, it is anticipated that the company will unveil its XR platform. According to reports, Samsung’s rumored XR headset may be the initial device to utilize this platform, as mentioned in this article from The Washington Post, with plans for its release later this year.
According to reports, Google had made attempts to convince Meta to adopt its Android XR platform for its standalone headsets, but Meta ultimately declined the offer.
Currently, we lack details for Android XR and are uncertain about what will be included. We are eagerly anticipating the platform’s announcement this year, especially since the Samsung headset has faced significant delays.
Wear OS 5
Google is set to make an announcement about a new operating system for wearable smartwatches, which is expected to be revealed during the “Building for the future of Wear OS” keynote. While there have been no leaks or rumors about its features, it is known that Samsung is
Undoubtedly, AI will dominate the spotlight at Google I/O this year. The tech giant is anticipated to unveil fresh features and enhancements for Google Assistant, Gemini, and its range of products, such as Search, Maps, Drive, and others.
Google will announce advancements in creating immersive 3D maps and developing next-generation AI applications using Gemini models. While most of these announcements will be targeted towards developers, as an end user, we will also be given a sneak peek into what we can anticipate in the future.
Cars, TV & more
It is anticipated that Google will reveal news about Android Auto during the session titled “Android for Cars: new in-car experiences.”Additionally, a session titled “New user experience enhancements in Google TV and the latest additions to the next Android TV OS platform”will cover updates and future plans for Google TV and Android TV OS.
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