Google I/O — the tech giant’s annual developer conference — is less than a week away, and we’ll likely get a glimpse of Android 15some AI updates and learn more about the company’s next advancements Pixel 8A.
It’s not yet clear what Google might reveal during the keynote, which will take place on May 14 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. (Following the keynote, developer breakout sessions will take place on May 14 and 15.) Last yearthe company launched the Pixel folding And Pixel 7Aas well as features such as Magic Editor in the photos and Immersive view for cards. With that in mind, it’s possible we’ll also get a good mix of hardware and software updates at this year’s conference.
Based on rumors and speculation, as well as what Google has announced so far, here’s what we expect the company to showcase at this year’s I/O.
The Google Pixel 8A.
Pixel 8A
Google will launch the next generation of its affordable Pixel A series, the Pixel 8A, the same day as the I/O. It will cost $500.
These cheaper devices share many of the same features as flagship Pixel phones. The 8A, for example, houses the same processor as the Pixel 8 and comes with the same memory and storage options. It also includes AI tools like Best catch And Magic Editor and will come with seven years of OS and security updates. The company will likely highlight the 8A during its keynote and tout the high-end features it packs into a more budget-friendly device.
We put together this specification comparison of the Pixel 8A versus the Pixel 8, so you can see how each phone’s features compare.
Android 15
Google I/O usually offers a preview of upcoming software features, so it’s safe to assume we’ll learn more about the next version of its mobile device software, Android 15, and its possible public release during this year’s keynote address. Android 15 is currently available in beta and includes new features and improvements focused on productivity, privacy, and security. For example, there’s support for archiving and unarchiving apps so you can easily free up space on your phone, as well as end-to-end encryption for contact keys and support extended support for satellite connectivity.
AI Updates
If there was one key phrase at last year’s I/O, it was: AI. That will likely be the case again this year, as Google and other companies continue to take advantage of this rapidly developing technology.
We may receive updates on the deployment of Gemini, Google’s ChatGPT competitor. The search giant said Gemini will become the primary assistant on Android phones for anyone who downloads and signs up for the app, replacing Google Assistant. There has been talk that Apple could equip its next iPhones with Gemini AI models, but it’s likely we won’t know more until Apple launches. Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
On top of that, there could be improvements to AI features like Circle to Search, or entirely new features for mobile devices that Google could tease during I/O.
(For a noted opinion on Gemini as well as other AI products, including ChatGPT, Firefly and the Rabbit R1 device, as well as AI news, tips and explainers, check out our new AI Atlas hub.)
Look at this: How Google tests the cameras on its Pixel phones
Other updates
It’s unclear whether Google will unveil the second generation of its Pixel Fold again at I/O this year, although rumors suggest the launch could happen later this year. There is speculation that the company could bring the device into its flagship Pixel lineup and dub it the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, instead of just the Pixel Fold 2, according to Android Font.
Learn more: 4 months later, the Pixel Fold shows Google needs to do more
Additionally, Google has been rather quiet about its Wear OS smartwatch software since announcing its partnership with Samsung to co-develop the operating system to I/O years ago. We expect more improvements and new tricks to come to Google’s suite of products, including Search, Maps, Drive and more.
Otherwise, we’ll see if Google has any surprises up its sleeve. As always, CNET will be on the ground sharing real-time updates once May 14 arrives.
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