Key Highlights
- Google I/O 2024 starts tomorrow, featuring CEO Sundar Pichai’s keynote and livestreamed sessions
- Expected announcements: Android 15, Pixel 8a, and Gemini AI integration
- Highlights include new features in Android 15 and the debut of Pixie virtual assistant
Google’s highly anticipated annual I/O 2024 developer conference is just around the corner. It is scheduled to take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California from May 14 to May 20. The event promises a flurry of exciting announcements and insights into Google’s latest developments, with Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai set to deliver the keynote address. Also Read | Gmail Tips And Tricks: How To Secure Your Google Account With Two-Factor Authentication
Where To Watch Livestream?
For those unable to attend in person, Google will livestream the keynote and key sessions on its official YouTube channel. Sundar Pichai’s keynote will start at 10 am Pacific Time (10:30 pm India time), providing viewers worldwide access to the event.
Expected Announcements
Google has been tight-lipped about its plans for I/O 2024, but with the company’s strong focus on AI, Gemini-powered features across its suite of apps are expected.
Hardware Announcements
Although Google typically emphasizes software at I/O, hardware announcements have made appearances in the past. This year, however, Google has already unveiled the Pixel 8a, set to go on sale on the same day as the event. Reports suggest that the Pixel Fold 2 may not debut at this year’s event, but there could be teasers for the upcoming foldable device, potentially rebranded as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, set to launch with the Pixel 9 series in September.
Google is expected to showcase the Pixel 8a and highlight its AI capabilities, thanks to Gemini integration.
Android 15
Android enthusiasts can look forward to the unveiling of Android 15 at I/O 2024. The latest version, currently in beta and available for testing on Pixel devices, is expected to bring enhancements in user privacy, productivity, and security. New features such as satellite connectivity, audio sharing, notification cooldown, app archiving, and partial screen sharing are expected.
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Gemini AI Everywhere
Gemini AI is expected to be integrated into various Google applications, including Maps, Chrome, Workspace, and Gmail. This AI may overshadow Google Assistant, with a rumored Pixel-exclusive virtual assistant named ‘Pixie’ making its debut. Pixie could offer multimodal capabilities, accepting not only text and voice input but also image sharing from users.
Wear OS 5 and Android TV
Google is set to unveil Wear OS 5, its revamped operating system for wearables. Details on new features remain scarce, but advancements in the Watch Face format and designing for a broader range of devices are expected to be highlighted during the sessions.
