As Google’s I/O conference kicks off tomorrow night, avid tech fans can certainly expect some 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 6pm BST (10am 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 sneak peek at the highly anticipated Pixel 9 or even a new foldable phone.
But while there may be some updates to Google’s hardware, you can expect AI to be the biggest topic of the day.
Google’s annual I/O conference kicks off tonight at 6pm BST (10am PST). Tech fans can follow all announcements via Google’s livestream
AI
With every tech company talking about its latest AI features, it’s highly unlikely that Google will be the exception to the trend.
It is widely expected that Google’s CEO Sundar Prichai, who will speak during the keynote talk, will unveil some updates to Google’s AI chatbots or features.
But with OpenAI set to unveil search features for ChatGPT today, Google may be faced with a difficult task.
We may see an announcement about the future development of Gemini, Google’s controversial chatbot.
The AI tool was shut down in February and apparently refused to generate white historical numbers in response to certain prompts.
Google could also use the conference as an opportunity to launch a more personalized version of its AI smartphone assistant.
Rumored to be called ‘Pixie’, this digital assistant would be powered by Gemini and could give Android phones much more AI capabilities.
For example, users can take photos of objects to learn more about them, or even get directions to stores that sell these objects.
Currently, Gemini isn’t ready to take over for Google Assistant, but I/O could reveal more about the chatbot’s future.
It has also been reported that Google is in talks to supply Gemini for future Apple products.
However, we may have to wait until Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June to find out more.
The event will likely be dominated by announcements about the future of Google’s AI projects. The conference could see some big updates for Gemini, Google’s flagship AI product
Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai (pictured) is expected to unveil new AI features and may even announce a new AI assistant for Android phones
Google Pixel
There is speculation that Google could get a first glimpse of the new Pixel 9, which was recently leaked.
According to designs leaked 91Mobile phones the Pixel 9 may offer a flatter design with a chunky rear camera.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped ‘island’ rather than stretching across the entire phone like on last year’s Pixel 8.
There’s also the possibility of a potential Pixel 9 Pro XL with a larger screen and a bigger battery.
Other hardware announcements could be a new addition to Google’s line of folding devices.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped ‘island’ rather than stretching across the entire phone like on last year’s Pixel 8 (pictured)
Last year the company unveiled the Pixel Fold at I/O and could follow suit with a new update this year.
There are rumors that a new foldable device could be linked to 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 costs £499 (US price $499).
The 8A has the same processors as the Pixel 8 and includes a number of new AI tools such as Best Take and the Magic Editor.
While it has been available for pre-order for a while now, Google could take the opportunity to hype the new product.
The Google Pixel Fold 8A (pictured) is expected to be officially launched on the first day of the conference, so expect Google to name its new affordable smartphone
There may also be hints at a successor to the Google Pixel Fold (pictured) with a sneak peek at the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Software
Following on from AI, Google’s biggest announcements are expected to involve updates to the Android operating system.
Android 15, the latest update to the software, is currently available in beta, but expect more features to be revealed tomorrow.
The beta software is already showing 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 brings improved support for satellite connectivity, including a rumored satellite messaging capability.
Google is also expected to unveil its new smartwatch software Wear OS 5.
The company has remained relatively quiet about the software since announcing a partnership with Samsung to develop wearables in 2022.
Wear OS 5 could first appear on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, but tech fans may have to wait for Samsung’s Unpacked event for more information.