watch Google I/O 2024 and what to anticipate

Google is internet hosting its annual I/O developer convention at present. As typical, the corporate is kicking it off with a keynote presentation in entrance of a small stay viewers, letting the remainder of world watch on-line. A number of bulletins are nearly assured — however there others which can be up within the air or just longshots. Let’s go over the whole lot we have heard so fa, plus the right way to watch it your self.

When and the place to observe Google I/O

Google I/O 2024 begins Tuesday, Might 14, at 10am PT (1pm ET). You may watch by tuning into Google’s stay weblog here or from the video above.

Android 15

Laying the groundwork

One thing within the “assured” column is extra information about Android 15. The subsequent main Android replace is already in its beta phase and due for remaining launch someday after July, however Google will wish to show options to each builders and the general public, a few of which have solely been teased or rumored. Whereas Google has confirmed that satellite tv for pc messaging is coming, for example, it is presumably ready for I/O to indicate it off. We may additionally see new lockscreen widgets for tablets, enhancements in battery well being monitoring, and a Personal House characteristic for hiding apps and knowledge. Google may hypothetically slender down a launch window for the OS, however that is unlikely given its monitor file at I/O and the pliability provided by a imprecise launch date. The most certainly timeframe is October, as with Android 14.

Pixel Fold 2

A peek inside Google’s subsequent foldable telephone

The unique Pixel Fold premiered at I/O 2023, and leaks a couple of Pixel Fold 2 are circulating. The brand new machine may sport a slimmer design, a diffrent side ratio, and rearranged entrance and rear cameras — however the larger information is that it may very well be the primary machine with Google’s Tensor G4 processor, leaping forward of the G3 chip used within the Pixel 8 lineup. Efficiency is perhaps additional boosted by a RAM bump from 12 to 16GB.

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There are nonetheless some characteristic cuts to maintain the worth in mid-range territory.

Some rumors recommend that the Fold 2 will not launch till October, and that it’d really be known as the Pixel 9 Professional Fold to affiliate it with upcoming flagship units. Whatever the identify, we would see a glimpse of the Fold 2 at I/O 2024, however solely the barest particulars.

Google Gemini and different AI developments

The star of the present

Gemini is in fact Google’s generative AI tech, able to writing textual content, answering questions, and performing a number of extra superior duties like coding and picture technology. The corporate was already obsessive about AI previous to its launch, so be ready to listen to much more in Might, together with future upgrades and expansions.

What may these be? One in all them is rumored to be Pixie, an AI assistant that may very well be unique to Pixel 9 units however based mostly on Gemini. Google is nowhere close to discussing the Pixel 9 lineup in any depth, but it might make sense to let builders in on Pixie now so that they’re ready to assist it later this yr.

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There’s additionally the matter of Google Assistant. It is anticipated that Gemini will finally substitute Assistant in every single place — that is already an possibility on some Android telephones — however to do this it has to take over extra duties, notably sensible house management. Certainly none of the present Google Nest audio system or shows can run Gemini, so we’re more likely to see these units refreshed by the tip of the yr. That is supported by code buried within the Google House app, which makes point out of unreleased Nest {hardware}. The corporate is overdue, no less than — the final main Nest product was the second-generation Nest Hub, which shipped in 2021.

Put on OS 5

Prepping for the Pixel Watch 3?

With the corporate already on a second-generation Pixel Watch, Google has a vested curiosity in pushing Put on OS ahead. One developer panel at I/O is slated to debate “advances within the Watch Face Format,” which means that we’ll see some type of Put on OS replace. A refresh might be overdue, as with Google Nest {hardware} — Put on OS 4 relies on Android 13, whereas many telephones and tablets have been operating Android 14 for months. Ideally we would see Put on OS improvement sync up with Android 15, however we’re not holding our breath for that one.

Google TV and Android TV

Possibly new units, however nothing revolutionary

Rumors have been oddly quiet about Google’s sensible TV platforms. An I/O session page does, nonetheless, immediate builders to “uncover new consumer expertise enhancements in Google TV and the newest additions to the following Android TV OS platform replace.” Since Google TV relies off Android TV, that signifies each being up to date ultimately, even when the enhancements change into minor. 9to5Google has shared rumors about an upgraded 4K Chromecast, which may provide a quicker processor, extra RAM and storage, and/or a redesigned distant. For the reason that present mannequin dates again to 2020, an replace is actually known as for — particularly if there’s an opportunity of supporting Gemini features.

Is there the rest we may see?

It is all the time good to anticipate a number of surprises

It is exhausting to say. Google will nearly actually contact on its core promoting enterprise, in addition to its many providers, like Gmail and Google Maps. It is also in an ungainly state of affairs with AR and VR know-how — whereas it was an early AR pioneer with Glass, that product in the end fizzled out, making room for Oculus/Meta and later Apple to ascertain severe footprints. Google may hypothetically shock us by revealing a brand new headset, however then even the Apple Vision Pro is not assembly its modest gross sales forecasts, so it won’t be in any rush till AR know-how is cheaper, extra compact, and provides higher battery life.

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Will Google say something in regards to the Pixel 9 and 9 Professional? Probably, however as we famous earlier, it is not going to be a lot if something. The identical goes for a second-generation Pixel Pill and the Pixel Watch 3. Something past a teaser will in all probability have to attend for the autumn, when Google sometimes releases its most high-profile units.