Google is gearing up to host its annual Google I/O developer conference on May 14 in Mountain View, California. This event attracts a lot of attention from technology enthusiasts, as it is an opportunity for Google to showcase its latest products and features. Ahead of the event, there have been several leaks and predictions about what Google might unveil, and here are the six most anticipated highlights:
Android 15
The next version of the world’s most popular mobile operating system is expected to be a major focus at Google I/O 2024. Android 15 is anticipated to introduce several improvements in privacy and security, stronger support for creators and developers, and application performance optimization. Some of the new features that Android 15 might bring include partial screen sharing, support for more types of health data, and enhanced file security.
Update for Google Gemini
Google Gemini is a powerful AI chatbot that competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It comes with capabilities such as creating text, images, video, audio, and programming code, and it is expected to receive new updates at I/O 2024. Google Gemini is expected to play a key role in developing a new assistant to replace Google Assistant, providing a more useful, multimodal, and conversational experience for users.
Pixel 8a
Pixel 8a is a low-cost version of the Pixel 8 series, featuring a similar design but with thicker screen borders. The device is powered by a Google Tensor G3 chip and boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate screen, a 64 MP main camera, and a 4,500 mAh battery that supports 27W charging. The highlight of Pixel 8a is its expected selling price of only 499 USD, which promises to bring a high-end Android experience at an affordable price.
Pixel Fold 2
Pixel Fold 2 is the next generation of Google’s folding phone, which was launched last year. The device features a completely new flat folding design, eliminating the traditional camera bar module and replacing it with a rectangular rear camera cluster. Pixel Fold 2 is also equipped with a more powerful Tensor G4 chip and promises to significantly improve camera performance. Although there have been speculations that the Pixel Fold 2 might be released later this year, Google has not confirmed this yet.
Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 series is expected to bring a completely new look with a modern flat-edge design, similar to the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24. The rear camera cluster has been rearranged, and the series is expected to have three versions, including Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, with screen sizes of 6.03 inches, 6.1 inches, and 6.5 inches, respectively. The highlight of Pixel 9 is Google’s latest Tensor G4 processing chip, which promises to deliver powerful performance and impressive AI processing capabilities.
Pixel Watch 3
The Pixel Watch 3 is the next generation of the Pixel Watch smartwatch, which is expected to bring a completely new wearing experience. The device will likely launch in two size models: 41 mm and 45 mm. The notable upgrade of Pixel Watch 3 is the new UWB (ultra-wideband) chip, which allows for more accurate location tracking and supports short-range communication. In addition, the Pixel Watch 3 is also expected to be equipped with many new health and smart features.