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[All the Highlights] Google I/O 2022 May 11, 2022

razzor228 , May 11, 2022 :

(banner by @rohitanand)​

Google I/O, which is Google’s Annual Developer Conference, is just around the corner and scheduled to take place today, May 11th, at 1 PM ET/10 PM PT/10:30 PM IST. Google I/O has always been synonymous with the latest and greatest in terms of software like Android, WearOS, Photos, Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and sometimes updates to their AI platform.

But this time around, Google might be switching up their plans and announcing some new hardware too. During Alphabet’s (Google’s Parent Company) Earning Call for Q1 2022, the CEO, Sundar Pichai, dropped some hints about a possible hardware announcement, saying that “I'm excited about the products we have coming and look forward to sharing more at Google I/O”.

According to the rumor mill, Google might announce the Pixel 6a at this year's Google I/O. As per the initial speculation, the Pixel 6a was expected to release sometime around the month of May, so this rumor might actually be true, considering Pichai’s statements too. Google announcing hardware at the I/O isn’t something new. Back in 2019, they announced the Pixel 3a, which was the first Pixel A Series phone.

And that isn’t the only hardware announcement Google is expected to make at the I/O. If you check Sundar Pichai’s comments from the earnings call, it points to multiple products. As per some rumors, Google might also unveil the much-awaited Pixel Watch.

What to expect from Google I/O 2022?
Based on the rumors floating around, these are the hardware products that Google might announce alongside the routine software announcements.

• Pixel 6a
• Pixel Watch
• Pixel Buds Pro

Pixel 6a
The A version of the Pixel device has always been a more affordable version of its flagship. Starting with the Pixel 3a back in 2019, the A versions came with some compromises in the specs department, like less powerful processors. This was the time when Google used Snapdragon processors, but ever since, Google made the switch to Tensor, which is their custom-built SOC.

The recent Pixel devices like the Pixel 4a and 5a had similar camera hardware and carried over the main sensor from the flagship counterparts. But, according to some recent rumors, Google might ditch the 48-megapixel sensor found on the Pixel 6 in favor of a 12-megapixel main sensor.

Pixel Watch
A Pixel watch has been rumored to launch for a long time, but this time the rumors feel stronger than ever with the alleged Pixel Watch prototype that was left at a restaurant earlier this year.


Source: Android Central

Leaker Evan Blass gave us a glimpse of what the Pixel Watch could look like with this render, which now aligns with the prototype that was found.




Source: Evan Blass x 91 mobiles

Google acquired the wearable company Fitbit back in 2019 with the intention of introducing a Google-made smartwatch. Whether the investment was worthwhile depends a lot on how the Pixel watch turns out.

Pixel Buds Pro
Google launched the Pixel Buds 2 in 2020 as the successor to the original Pixel Buds, which launched back in 2017. Quite similar to what Google is doing in their phone segment, Google introduced the Pixel Buds A-series, which is a more affordable version of the Pixel Buds 2.

While the leaks haven’t given out much information about the specs and the features, the ‘Pro’ moniker does indicate that it could have premium features like Active Noise Cancellation and will compete with the likes of OnePlus Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds, and Apple Airpods Pro. According to Jon Prosser, the Pixel Buds Pro could come in 4 colorways - Real Red, Carbon, Limoncello, and Fog.


Source: Jon Prosser Twitter

So, now that you know what to expect from this year’s Google I/O, what is one thing that you are most excited about? Do you think Google will be able to kick some life into WearOS, their operating system for wearables, with the new updates that it teased at last year's Google I/O?

All set? You can watch the Google Keynote @ Google I/O ‘22 in the video below.

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