It is that time of the year again when the tech giant Google hosts its mega event. Yes, we are talking about the Google I/O 2022. Last year, the Google I/O 2021 gave us Android 12 OS, Wear OS updates and loads of different things. Obviously, every tech enthusiast on the globe wants to know what Google has up its sleeve this year.
Talks about Android 13 OS has been making rounds of the internet for quite some time now. Besides, Google has also been reportedly working on their very first smartwatch. Additionally, the Google Pixel 6a is also being talked about a lot these days. Well, the Google I/O 2022 may just be the event that launches it ALL. However, before getting into it, let us take a bit about what exactly is the ultra-popular Google I/O event all about.
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What Is Google I/O?
Google I/O is an event where developers from across the globe who work towards developing apps for the company, come together. These developers are behind the making of several apps for Google’s operating systems like Android and Wear OS.
However, that does not mean that a non-developer will have nothing to look for in here. Tech enthusiasts dig the event for a reason. All sorts of new hardware and software upgrades alongside a bunch of different things are unleashed during the event and Google I/O 2022 will be no exception.
How To Watch Google I/O 2022 Event?
If you are like us and can’t wait to know what Google will unveil during this year’s I/O, don’t worry. You can watch it a 100 per cent free at the official Google I/O 2022 website. The event is all set to kick off from 10:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) tomorrow, that is, May 11, 2022.
Additionally, the entire stream will be recorded so, you will be able to watch it in later on as well. If you want to get all sorts of updates via mail about the event, you can create a Google Developer Profile. It is completely free and easy to create as well so you won’t have to break a sweat.
Google I/O 2022: What’s In Store, Google?
You could have a lot of things in mind but if there is one thing that such events teach us, that is, they are very unpredictable. They could either be a breath of fresh air or a bit of a disappointment for folks looking forward to it. We are hoping that this year will be as good or even better than last year’s Google I/O event. In fact, there actually may be more to it than meets the eye.
Google started a poll on their official Android twitter handle. This poll asked users, “Which update are you most excited to see on May 11-12?” The options that users can select are Security Updates, Cross Device Updates and New Partnerships. With that being said, let us take a look at a couple things that may be the stars of this year’s Google I/O 2022:
Android 13
Last year, Android 12 brought a variety of different features to make life easier for us. These included the Material You interface, Responsive Motion, Privacy Dashboard, Enhanced Gaming, Scrolling Screenshots and so many more. With the Android 12 hangover still lingering, the tech giant may be offering us Android 13 OS during the upcoming Google I/O 2022 event.
This is a HUGE possibility as Google has already rolled out Android 13 Beta 1 for Pixel phones. This particular Beta release brought into light several Android 13 features. These include Photo Picker, Enhanced Notifications, Language Options For Individual Applications and more.
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The upcoming Photo Picker feature is a particular favourite of ours. It will allow Android 13 users to share media (photos and videos) discreetly with other applications. In addition, Google is also going to be making Android 13 more Chromebook-friendly.
So, we will get to see this feature which will allow Android 13 users to stream their apps directly to Chromebooks. Besides, there will be certain optimisations integrated into the Android framework for the benefit of foldable flagships.
However, do note that Android 13 may only be announced this Google I/O 2022. It will take quite a couple months for the stable update to release. Possibly, October to September 2022.
Pixel 6a
History is evidence that Google often releases their “A” series of Pixel phones mostly during the I/O tech events. Last year, we saw the Google Pixel 5a go official during the Google I/O 2021. Who knows, this year, it may actually be the Google Pixel 6a landing during the Google I/O 2022 event.
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Google launched their flagship Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro devices last year and this time, it may be the Pixel 6a’s turn to go official. Besides, quite a lot of details about the device have already surfaced online, thanks to the multiple leaks and reports.
For starters, we already know that the Pixel 6a will be running on Android 12 right out of the box. However, given the fact that Android 13 will most likely be announced during the event, the device will get it the fastest among other Pixel phones.
Other Google Pixel 6a specs are expected to include a 6.2-inch full HD+ OLED display. However, nothing has been revealed about the Pixel 6a offering a fast refresh rate panel. Talking about optics, the upcoming handset is expected to feature a dual rear camera setup.
The setup will most likely include a 12.2-megapixel primary sensor alongside a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor. At the front, you can expect to see an 8-megapixel sensor for selfies and video calls. However, do note that the Google Pixel 5a never made it to India. So, chances are that the Pixel 6a may meet the same fate. Only time will tell.
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Pixel Watch
The world of smartwatches is expanding quickly than ever before in 2022. 2021 itself saw the popularity of smartwatches increase at an unprecedented scale. It is not a surprise why a tech giant like Google does not want to be left behind in the race. Hence, the Google Pixel Watch is expected to launch during the upcoming Google I/O 2022 event as well.
Talks of Google launching their very first smartwatch have been going around for quite some time now. As per multiple reports and leaks, the smartwatch will be called the Google Pixel Watch. Not too long ago, pictures of the Google Pixel Watch prototype surfaced online. Apparently, it was lying on a table in a U.S restaurant.
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Going by this prototype, you can expect to see a round dial on the smartwatch. Additionally, the bezels will be on the slightly thicker side of things. There is also going to be a crown on the right frame of the smart wearable. This will allow users to navigate through the watch’s features and applications.
Further, the Google Pixel Watch specs include heart rate monitoring, step counter, ECG monitoring, calorie counter and the like. In terms of connectivity, the smartwatch will use Bluetooth v5.2. Talking about the software, the upcoming smartwatch is expected to run on Wear OS 3.1 right out of the box. Moreover. the tech giant will also launch quite a few silicone straps to go with its very first smartwatch.
Google I/O 2022 Expectations: The Takeaway
Going by the bunch of different things that Google may have in store for us, the Google I/O 2022 seems to be far from your regular tech event. Then again, nothing is “regular” with Google anyway, is there? The very tech giant that has conquered and continues to conquer pretty much the whole of internet, has set very high bars in terms of technology. Hopefully, the upcoming event will be exactly what tech enthusiasts expect it to be – a milestone in the realm of Android.
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