Google's I/O developer conference is finally happening and it's likely to involve some of the company's most important hardware product launches, including the first Pixel smartwatch. What are you expecting from the event? What are you most excited about?
Google I/O 2022 is scheduled to take place this week, officially starting with an opening presentation on Wednesday, May 11th, at 1 p.m. ET. Google is streaming live through its YouTube channel.
What To Expect When Sundar Pichai and His Crew Take the Stage
1. Pixel Watch and Wear OS 3
Despite Google's attempts to keep it a secret, the star of I/O may have already been out in the open as rumors of an official Google smartwatch have flooded the internet. But Google now appears close to introducing one in the form of the Pixel Watch.
The tech giant has already filed for a Pixel Watch trademark in recent weeks. However, there's no guarantee Google will debut the Pixel Watch at I/O. But reporter Jon Prosser has claimed the watch could arrive on May 26th, just a couple of weeks after I/O.
2. Pixel 6a
Since the 2020 Pixel 4a 5G, Google hasn't introduced a new mid-range phone. We've been waiting a long time for new hardware.
For months, rumors about Pixel 6a have persisted.
It would have a Pixel 6 aesthetic and key features of a more affordable handset. Reportedly, the 6.2-inch phone will use the same speedy Tensor chip as in the Pixel 6, but rely on the 5a's 12-megapixel main rear camera instead of the Pixel 6's more advanced 50MP unit, according to Engadget.
Like the Pixel Watch, there are hints Google might unveil the Pixel 6a at I/O and launch it soon afterward. There have been FCC filings for the 6a that emerged last month. This suggests that Google might launch the phone sometime in May.
3. Android 13
It's expected that Google will reveal more about Android 13 at I/O 2022. Since February, the company has been testing developer previews of the new operating system.
In the past, Google has used I/O to share many of a future Android revision's user-facing features for the first time.
According to Engadget, the Android 13 beta already includes expanded Material You theming, an improved media playback box, a speedier QR code reader, and smart home control while the device is locked. Android 13 will also introduce Bluetooth LE audio support, and Fast Pair should be built-in.
4. Pixel Buds Pro, Nest Hub tablet, and a foldable
Jon Prosser, most recently, shared the possibility of Pixel Buds Pro earbuds that would come in a range of colors. He didn't provide details or images, but the "Pro" badging might suggest active noise cancellation.
There are also rumors of a Pixel foldable. Google designed Android 12L with foldables and tablets in mind, and the company's leaked "Pipit" could demonstrate what that software could do, as per an Engadget report. Lastly, we can keep our hopes high for a rumored detachable Nest Hub where the screen can be removed and used as a tablet.
Read Also: Google I/O 2017: All Exciting Things You Need To Know
Numerous Apps and Services Expected at Google I/O 2022
Aside from hardware and platform-specific announcements, a Google I/O keynote will definitely have the search giant announcing updates for a handful of its numerous apps and services.
According to The Verge, it's quite difficult to make specific predictions about which of the apps and services will get attention on stage this year, given the huge breadth of Google's software offerings.
Aside from more typical product announcements, Google always has a few sudden surprises for I/O. Google revealed an experiment called Project Starline last year along with other AR / VR projects.
Related Article: Google Could Either Tease or Reveal Pixel Smartwatch on Next I/O Event
