What to anticipate from Google I/O 2024

Google is internet hosting its annual I/O developer convention on Might 14. As regular, the corporate will kick 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 just about assured — however there others which are up within the air or just longshots. Let’s go over the whole lot we have heard to this point.

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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.

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 closing launch someday after July, however Google will need to display 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, as an example, it is presumably ready for I/O to point out 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 slim down a launch window for the OS, however that is unlikely given its monitor report at I/O and the flexibleness supplied by a imprecise launch date. The almost certainly timeframe is October, as with Android 14.

Pixel Fold 2

A peek inside Google’s subsequent foldable cellphone

The unique Pixel Fold premiered at I/O 2023, and leaks a few Pixel Fold 2 are circulating. The brand new system may sport a slimmer design, a diffrent side ratio, and rearranged entrance and rear cameras — however the larger information is that it could possibly be the primary system 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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Some rumors recommend that the Fold 2 will not launch till October, and that it would truly be referred to as the Pixel 9 Professional Fold to affiliate it with upcoming flagship gadgets. Whatever the title, 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 choice of extra superior duties like coding and picture era. 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 would possibly these be? One among them is rumored to be Pixie, an AI assistant that could possibly be unique to Pixel 9 gadgets however primarily based on Gemini. Google is nowhere close to discussing the Pixel 9 lineup in any depth, but it could make sense to let builders in on Pixie now in order that they’re ready to help it later this 12 months.

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There’s additionally the matter of Google Assistant. It is anticipated that Gemini will finally change Assistant in every single place — that is already an choice on some Android telephones — however to do this it has to take over extra obligations, significantly good house management. Certainly none of the present Google Nest audio system or shows can run Gemini, so we’re prone to see these gadgets refreshed by the top of the 12 months. That is supported by code buried within the Google Dwelling 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 working 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

Perhaps new gadgets, however nothing revolutionary

Rumors have been oddly quiet about Google’s good TV platforms. An I/O session page does, nevertheless, 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 in a roundabout way, even when the enhancements develop into minor. 9to5Google has shared rumors about an upgraded 4K Chromecast, which may supply a quicker processor, extra RAM and storage, and/or a redesigned distant. Because the present mannequin dates again to 2020, an replace is actually referred to as for — particularly if there’s an opportunity of supporting Gemini capabilities.

Is there anything we may see?

It is all the time good to count on a number of surprises

It is exhausting to say. Google will virtually actually contact on its core promoting enterprise, in addition to its many companies, like Gmail and Google Maps. It is also in a clumsy scenario with AR and VR know-how — whereas it was an early AR pioneer with Glass, that product finally fizzled out, making room for Oculus/Meta and later Apple to ascertain critical 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 may not be in any rush till AR know-how is cheaper, extra compact, and presents higher battery life.

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Will Google say something concerning 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 most likely have to attend for the autumn, when Google usually releases its most high-profile gadgets.