Gear up to plunge into the ultimate tech fiesta of the year as Google's annual developer conference, I/O, is about to begin on May 14 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The event kicks off with a keynote from CEO Sundar Pichai, followed by a whirlwind of sessions. Here's how you can tune in live and get a sneak peek at what's in store.
Google I/O 2024: What to Expect? Where to watch?
Google Assistant, AI, Android 15, new WearOS!
How to watch?
Google will be livestreaming the Google I/O 2024 keynote and many other key sessions on its official YouTube channel. Sundar Pichai's keynote session will start at 10 am Pacific Time (10:30 pm India time). Following the main keynote, a multitude of smaller keynotes and developer sessions will unfold throughout the remainder of the week.
What to Expect?
Google has kept its plans for I/O 2024 under wraps, but the focus on AI suggests exciting updates. Gemini-powered AI features could enhance Google Maps, Chrome, Workspace, Gmail, and other Google apps. Gemini might also take centre stage in future Android devices, potentially overshadowing Google Assistant. A new Pixel-exclusive virtual assistant named 'Pixie' powered by Gemini could debut. Pixie might offer multimodal capabilities, letting you interact via text, voice, and even images.
While Google I/O has typically been software-focused, the event has also seen significant hardware announcements. Last year, Google unveiled the Pixel 7a and its first-ever Pixel Fold at I/O. This year, however, Google has already launched the Pixel 8a, which will go on sale on the same day as I/O. Also, reports suggest that Google may not unveil its Pixel Fold 2 smartphone at this year's I/O event. Instead, there might be a teaser for its upcoming foldable device, which could launch with the Pixel 9 series in September.
Furthermore, Google's upcoming I/O 2024 event is anticipated to showcase the unveiling of Android 15, complete with new features and a confirmed release date. Currently in beta, this latest version of Android is exclusively available for testing on Pixel devices. Reports suggest while Android 15 may not introduce a major design overhaul, it is expected to deliver a host of upgrades aimed at enhancing user privacy, productivity, and security. Some of the anticipated features include satellite connectivity, audio sharing, notification cooldown, app archiving, and partial screen sharing.
Last but not least, Google might also revamp its wearable operating system with the long-awaited Wear OS 5. Despite the brand’s usual secrecy, a tantalising description of the Wear OS 5 session promises advancements in the Watch Face format, as well as insights into building and designing for a growing spectrum of devices.