Google I/O, the Mountain View company’s developer conference, kicks off this May 11. The firm, as usual, will hold its initial event today, which is intended to announce news related to the software and its services. It is likely, therefore, that we know the most important details of Android 13, and probably new features for Google Assistant and the rest of the company’s applications. But will there be hardware announcements too? Will we finally see the Google Pixel Watch or the expected Pixel 6a?
Android 13, the new version of the company’s operating system, will be one of the main novelties of Google I/O. Although this update has been available for some time for developers and those users who have a compatible Pixel smartphone, the firm led by Sundar Pichai usually reveals new features that until now were not available in the first betas. The conference also usually ends with the launch of a public beta, and not only for Google Pixels, but also for smartphones from manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, Oppo, etc.
Google could also announce what’s new in Wear OS, its operating system for smart watches. The company, in fact, together with Samsung launched a major update last year, adding a new design and multiple options for manufacturers to customize their devices. This year, we expect to see further integration with services from Fitbit, a company that Google acquired in January 2021. These services could, in fact, debut with the company’s first smartwatch, which could also be announced during this I/O. of 2022.
Google could finally announce the Pixel Watch, its first smartwatch
The Pixel Watch has been leaking for months, but the latest details about this device seem to indicate that its launch is imminent. The watch has appeared in leaked images that not only reveal its design, but also some of its features, such as the integration with the Fitbit services that we have discussed. The Pixel Watch, in fact, will arrive with Wear OS 3.1the version that could be officially announced at Google I/O.
According to leaks, the watch will have a circular design, looking very similar to Samsung smartwatches, but somewhat more comfortable, as revealed by a Reddit user who was able to get hold of a unit ahead of time. The device also appears to include a digital crown on one side. This would be used to navigate the interface, as well as to perform different actions (for example, a double tap to activate Google Pay). Its specifications, such as the dimensions of the screen, the processor or the extra functions that it could incorporate for health and fitness are, at the moment, unknown.
Will we see a Google Pixel 6a?
Google could also announce the Google Pixel 6a, the budget version of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, at GoogleI I/O. Now, the odds are not as high as those we see with the Pixel Watch, since this terminal has barely appeared in leaks – something unusual for Google smartphones.
The Pixel 6a, in particular, could arrive with the same SoC included in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro; the Tensor processor. It would also include 8 GB RAM, as well as 128 GB of internal storage. Regarding the cameras, the Google Pixel 6a could arrive with a 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 main camera, as well as an ultra-wide-angle sensor of the same resolution. All this, with a 6.2-inch OLED screen and a 4,800 mAh battery.
Other hardware news that we could see at Google I/O
Beyond the Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a, the company could also revealr new devices in the Nest range at its kickoff Google I/O event. It would not be strange if the company also announced new wireless headphones or even revealed the first details of your folding smartphone.
The Google I/Olet’s remember, it will be completely online and can be followed through the company’s official YouTube channel. The broadcast will start at 7:00 p.m. (Spain) and 12:00 p.m. in Mexico.