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As Google’s I/O conference kicks off tomorrow afternoon, avid tech fans can certainly expect exciting news from the company’s biggest event of the year.
The event, held in Mountain View, California, will be streamed live here tomorrow from 18:00 BST (10:00 PST).
And after the limited success of Apple’s recent iPad launch, expectations will be high that the tech giant will deliver something impressive.
With Google’s Pixel 8A officially shipping today, there’s a chance we could get a look at the highly anticipated Pixel 9 or even a new foldable phone.
But while there may be some updates to Google’s hardware, AI can be expected to be the biggest topic of the day.
Google’s annual I/O conference kicks off at 18:00 BST (10:00 PST) this afternoon, tech fans will be able to follow all the announcements on Google’s live stream.
AI
With every tech company talking about their latest AI features, it’s highly unlikely that Google will be the exception to the trend.
Google CEO Sundar Prichai, speaking at the keynote, is expected to reveal some updates to Google’s chatbots or AI features.
But with OpenAI set to reveal search features for ChatGPT today, Google may have a tough task ahead.
We may see an announcement regarding the future development of Gemini, Google’s controversial chatbot.
The AI tool stopped in February and apparently refused to generate white historical figures in response to certain prompts.
Google may also use the conference as an opportunity to launch a more personalized version of its AI smartphone assistant.
This digital assistant, rumored to be called ‘Pixie’, would work with Gemini and could give Android phones many more AI capabilities.
For example, users could take photos of objects to learn more about them or even get directions to stores that sell them.
Gemini isn’t currently ready to replace Google Assistant, but I/O could reveal more about the chatbot’s future.
Google is also reported to be in talks to provide Gemini to power future Apple products.
However, we may have to wait until Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June to learn more about this.
The event is likely to be dominated by announcements about the future of Google’s artificial intelligence projects. The conference could see some major updates to Gemini, Google’s flagship AI product.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai (pictured) is expected to reveal new AI features and even announce a new AI assistant for Android phones.
Google Pixel
There is speculation that Google could give a first look at the new Pixel 9, which was recently leaked.
According to the designs leaked to 91Mobiles The Pixel 9 may offer a flatter design with a thick rear camera.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped “island” rather than extending across the entire phone like on last year’s Pixel 8.
There’s also the possibility of a possible Pixel 9 Pro XL with a larger screen and bigger battery.
Other hardware announcements could include a new addition to Google’s line of foldable devices.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped “island” rather than extending across the entire phone like on last year’s Pixel 8 (pictured).
At I/O last year, the company revealed the Pixel Fold and could do the same this year with a new update.
It has been rumored that a new foldable device could tie into the existing Pixel range, potentially making it the ‘Pixel 9 Pro Fold’ instead of the Pixel Fold 2.
The I/O event coincides with the official launch of the new Google Pixel 8A, which is priced at £499 (US price $499).
The 8A features the same processors as the Pixel 8 and includes a host of new AI tools, such as Best Take and Magic Editor.
While it has been available for pre-order for some time, Google could use the opportunity to promote the new product.
The official launch of the Google Pixel Fold 8A (pictured) is scheduled for the first day of the conference, so expect Google to mention its new affordable smartphone.
There may also be hints of a successor to the Google Pixel Fold (pictured) with a preview of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Software
After AI, Google’s biggest announcements are expected to include updates to the Android operating system.
Android 15, the latest software update, is currently available in beta, but more features are expected to be revealed tomorrow.
The beta software already shows off new features that focus on productivity, security and privacy.
For example, there are now end-to-end encryption features for better security within apps, partial screen sharing options, and more in-app camera controls.
The new update also features increased support for satellite connectivity, including a rumored satellite messaging capability.
Google is also expected to reveal its new smartwatch software, Wear OS 5.
The company has remained fairly silent on the software since announcing a partnership with Samsung to develop wearable devices in 2022.
Wear OS 5 could make its first appearance on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, but tech fans may have to wait for Samsung’s Unpacked event to find out more.
