How to Watch Google I/O 2022 (and What to Expect)
It’s time of year again: Google is ready to make some announcements, and what better way than to use their famous Google I/O platform. The conference is about to begin and we’re ready to see what new features could be announced for Android 13, if we’ll finally see the Pixel Watch ( not forgotten in the restaurant), and if Google will show off the new Pixel 6a.
How to tune in to Google I/O 2022
While Google I/O is technically a developer event, Google makes it easy for the general public to set up, no matter who they are or where they live. You can find the live stream here on Google’s YouTube page , as well as the live stream in American Sign Language here . Company CEO Sundar Pichai is scheduled to take the stage at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) on Wednesday, May 11th, so be sure to tune in by then to see the full show.
What will Google announce at Google I/O 2022?
The company didn’t make any official announcements ahead of the big reveal, but based on rumors and reliable leaks, we have some idea of what to expect .
First of all, we expect to get the first official look at the Pixel Watch, Google’s first smartwatch. However, we generally know what it’s all about since the prototype was abandoned in a restaurant (like Google’s iPhone 4). If Google unveils the Pixel Watch tomorrow, we expect to see rounded smartwatches with interchangeable straps running Wear OS 3, a joint venture between Google and Samsung. Wear OS 3 should offer a more customizable experience compared to something like Apple’s watchOS, complete with widgets (called “tiles”).
Continuing the hardware theme, it’s no wonder Pichai is announcing the Pixel 6a at I/O. Google’s latest mid-range smartphone should deliver the same performance as the flagship Pixel 6 while using the more budget-friendly camera hardware found in the Pixel 5a. Unfortunately, this may be the first mid-range Pixel device to lack a headphone jack. If so, then the list of smartphones with a 3.5mm port will shrink even further.
However, the main focus of the event should be on software, specifically Android 13. The latest version of Android OS is currently in beta testing and does not currently offer many new features. However, Google is likely delaying major announcements until tomorrow, after which we should see some fun new changes coming in future Android 13 betas.
[ engadget ]