Google’s I/O developer convention is lastly returning as an (restricted) in-person keynote for 2022, however that is not the largest story prone to emerge from the occasion. This yr, along with the customary Android replace, it’s prone to contain among the firm’s most necessary {hardware} introductions in latest reminiscence — together with the primary Pixel smartwatch. Here’s what to anticipate when Sundar Pichai and crew take the stage.

It will likely be straightforward to tune in, we’d add. Google is streaming the presentation dwell through its YouTube channel on May eleventh at 1PM Eastern, together with in a version with American Sign Language interpretation. You can count on protection and commentary from Engadget throughout and after the keynote.

Pixel Watch and Wear OS 3

The true star of I/O might have already been outed regardless of Google’s makes an attempt to maintain it below wraps. Rumors of an official Google smartwatch have circulated for years, however the firm now seems near introducing one within the type of the Pixel Watch. A prototype of the gadget was apparently found at a restaurant by an Android Central supply, however Google has additionally filed for a Pixel Watch trademark in latest weeks. It could also be only a matter of when the timepiece arrives, not “if.”

The prototype might converse volumes about Google’s plans. True to previous rumors, the Pixel Watch seems to have a glossy rounded case, a rotating crown and just about no bezels. Think of it as Android’s reply to the Apple Watch’s elegant design, simply with a round display. Much like its rival, the smartwatch would use proprietary however simply swappable bands that can assist you customise the look. Photos additionally recommend there will likely be no less than some type of coronary heart price monitoring, whereas a earlier code leak from 9to5Google hinted at an Exynos processor inside.

However, the true centerpiece often is the software program. The Pixel Watch is believed to function a showcase for Wear OS 3, a serious smartwatch interface developed with assist from Samsung. It’s anticipated to incorporate simpler navigation, Tiles assist (learn: widgets) for third-party apps, improved efficiency and extra customization for watchmakers. Fitbit exercise monitoring will likely be key to the expertise, and code found within the new OS’ emulator hinted the health app may be integrated into some watch faces. While Wear OS has lengthy included some exercise-friendly performance, the Pixel smartwatch won’t want any aftermarket apps to ship really strong monitoring.

There’s no assure Google will debut the Pixel Watch at I/O, and particulars like pricing stay a thriller. However, reporter Jon Prosser, who typically has a powerful monitor file with leaks, has claimed the watch may arrive on May 26th, simply a few weeks after I/O. If so, we’d count on Wear OS 3 to roll out to suitable third-party watches (reminiscent of latest examples from Fossil, Mobvoi and Samsung) within the weeks forward.

Pixel 6a

Google hasn’t launched a meaningfully new mid-range cellphone since 2020’s Pixel 4a 5G (the Pixel 5a was just about an identical), so we’re overdue for brand new {hardware}. Thankfully, which may simply be within the pipeline. Murmurs have continued for months of a Pixel 6a that will deliver the Pixel 6 aesthetic and key options to a extra inexpensive handset.

Where earlier finances Pixels usually preserved the digicam tech of high-end fashions whereas utilizing slower processors, Google would possibly reverse its technique with the 6a. The 6.2-inch cellphone will reportedly use the identical speedy Tensor chip as within the Pixel 6, however depend on the 5a’s 12-megapixel most important rear digicam as a substitute of the Pixel 6’s extra superior 50MP unit.

There would additionally nonetheless be an OLED display with a (hopefully improved) under-display fingerprint reader, and quick millimeter wave 5G might be obtainable with no less than one variant. However, you may need to wave goodbye to the headphone jack on lower-cost Google telephones.

As with the Pixel Watch, there are hints Google would possibly unveil the Pixel 6a at I/O and launch it quickly afterward. FCC filings for the 6a emerged final month, suggesting the corporate would possibly ship the cellphone someday in May. The largest unknown at this stage is the value: Google offered the 5a for $449, however it’s not clear if the follow-up will likely be simply as inexpensive.

Android 13

It’s no secret that Google will reveal extra about Android 13 at I/O 2022. The firm has been testing developer previews of the brand new working system since February, and it traditionally makes use of I/O to share a lot of a future Android revision’s user-facing options for the primary time, reminiscent of Android 12’s Material You interface. All the minor, developer-focused tweaks you’ve seen thus far seemingly received’t signify all the pieces you’ll get when the OS is lastly prepared (seemingly late summer season).

There haven’t been many clues as to what these bigger adjustments will entail, however Google has thus far centered on minor interface revisions and under-the-hood know-how upgrades. The Android 13 beta already consists of expanded Material You theming, an improved media playback field, a speedier QR code reader and (no less than for some customers) good house management whereas the gadget is locked.

Behind the scenes, you’ll additionally see extra conveniences in addition to better respect for each your privateness and free time. Android 13 will introduce Bluetooth LE audio assist, and Fast Pair needs to be built-in that can assist you shortly arrange earbuds and different equipment. A form of spatial audio may also be obtainable, too. Apps, in the meantime, received’t have fairly a lot free rein. Software constructed for the brand new platform should request permission for media entry and notifications. Even Google’s photograph picker is now extra restrictive. You ought to see fewer apps overstepping their boundaries, to not point out nagging you with undesirable alerts and promos.

It received’t be in any respect shocking if there are extra substantial adjustments in retailer. From all of the proof thus far, nevertheless, Android 13 is extra of an iteration of Android 12 than a radical rethink. And that’s okay – Google now has extra of a chance to shine its code and deal with complaints about final yr’s overhaul.

Wildcards: Pixel Buds Pro, Nest Hub pill and a foldable

While there are just a few anticipated {hardware} unveilings at I/O this yr, we wouldn’t rule out some out-of-left-field teasers. Most just lately, Jon Prosser floated the opportunity of Pixel Buds Pro earbuds that will are available a spread of colours. While he didn’t present particulars or photographs, the “Pro” badging would possibly trace at energetic noise cancellation and different options that haven’t discovered their method into current Pixel Buds. While they won’t seem at I/O (if ever), they’d make sense given Android 13’s assist for spatial audio and Bluetooth LE music.

We additionally wouldn’t fully rule out the oft-rumored Pixel foldable. Google designed Android 12L with foldables and tablets in thoughts, and the corporate’s leaked “Pipit” may show what that software program may do. Don’t rely on it arriving at this month’s occasion, although. Although 9to5Google unearthed camera code implying a 2022 launch, there haven’t been any actual indicators alluding to an I/O look. If Pipit remains to be on monitor, it won’t arrive till late within the yr.

We wouldn’t maintain out hope for a rumored removable Nest Hub the place the display may be eliminated and used like a pill. The first discussions of this convertible Nest mannequin solely surfaced in March, and Google has incessantly reserved its Nest bulletins for the autumn.

Instead, the probably surprises are these you most frequently see at I/O. You would possibly properly see Google replace Android TV (plus its Google TV front-end), and it’s straightforward to see upgrades coming to companies like Maps and Photos. AI-based merchandise utilizing Duplex and comparable applied sciences may seem on the convention. And then there’s the extra audacious experiments — few would have anticipated the Project Starline AR video chat sales space, even within the throes of a pandemic.