Google’s annual developer conference is happening next week in Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheater. This is the first time in four years that the conference is happening in person. The keynote will debut all the different software projects the company has been working on for the past year. The event starts on May 10 at 10 AM PT. The event will be a showcase for everything that’s coming for Android 14. The company has arguably missed a step when it comes to the current generative AI land rush.
CEO Sundar Pichai will speak about Google’s leadership in artificial intelligence at the conference. The event usually showcases real-world applications of AI, such as mobile imaging and customer service. This year, the company is expected to focus heavily on AI. The conference may also feature hardware announcements. Rumors suggest that the keynote will have a consumer electronics focus. The author will focus on hardware announcements in their coverage.
Google has a pattern of releasing a budget device in the spring, after a flagship device in the fall. The budget device, called Pixel 7a, compromises some features for its price. Google has announced that the Pixel 7a will be released on May 11, the day after the I/O conference. The announcement was made by Google India, hinting at the company’s focus on the Indian smartphone market. The design of the Pixel 7a is expected to be similar to the previous model, but the name has not been confirmed.
The Pixel 7a is a budget device with a release date of May 11, likely targeted at the Indian market. It is expected to have a 6.1-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 64-megapixel rear camera and will feature the Tensor G2. Google has confirmed the existence of a Pixel Tablet, but its release date is uncertain. The tablet may be officially announced at the Google I/O event or in September/October. Google’s reentry into the Android tablet category is expected to have a unique spin.
There are rumors of a new Google tablet that can turn into a Nest dock. It’s expected to have Tensor G2 and 8GB of RAM. Google may also announce its own foldable device, which has been rumored for years. The leaked renders suggest that it’s more like Samsung Galaxy Z Fold than Z Flip, and shares design DNA with Oppo’s foldable. It’s expected to be half an inch thick when folded and 0.2 inches unfolded, and weigh 283 grams.
Foldable devices are becoming more popular, and Google is rumored to be working on its own Pixel Fold. Other unlikely hardware rumors include a competitor to Apple’s AirTag, new Pixel Buds, and a Pixel Watch 2. There isn’t much news on Nest products for the home this year.
Google’s mobile operating system, Android, is always a major part of their I/O event. A summer release of the new version, internally named Upside Down Cake, is expected. Features include better battery life, accessibility, privacy, and security. Expect generative AI to be in many Google consumer products. A preview of the new Wear OS may be presented, and there may be some mention of AR/VR. The keynote is on May 10, and TechCrunch will provide coverage.
