If you have been expecting the Google I/O 2022 event, then you should be interested in What to Expect from the event. Recently, Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently confirmed Google I/O 2022 dates, the next iteration of the annual conference set for developers. Pichai revealed in a tweet that the event has been scheduled to start on May 11, 2022, and end the next day.
What to Expect from Google I/O 2022
Just like last year’s Google I/O, the edition of 2022 is going to be taken place online. All developers that are interested would be required to register in order to attend. The company has also stated that there would be some form of in-person attendance, but that would only be to a select few guests. The select few do not include members of tech blogging or the journalism industry.
Google I/O conference has traditionally witnessed some products and features from the company. To add, the occasion has also been used when discussing features that would be coming to future Android versions, and the 2022 conference would not present itself differently.
In the Past, The company has also used the conference as their launchpad for several of its hardware products including the like of Google Home (in 2016) and several other pixel smartphones that include pixel 3a and the 3a XL. While it is yet to be confirmed, there is a great chance that we might see the company announce a couple of new products at the I/O 2022.
Seeing as most of us are not really keen on the developer side of the Google I/O conference, this article would be placing its focus on possible announcements that Google might make this year.
Expected Announcements at Google I/O 2022
It’s quite safe to assume a significant part of the conference – including the Keynote – would get dedicated to Android 13. With google seeing as Google has released the Android 13 Beta for select Pixel series handsets, we are already aware of what some of these features would be. However, there are reasons for us to believe that Google could be saving some of its best features for the day of the announcement.
While we are yet to be aware of the general theme of Android 13’s direction, initial indications are, Google would be primarily placing its attention on privacy-related aspects with this iteration of Android. This step is an almost necessary step as long as Apple has taken significant strides in this direction with the iOS 15.
Also, there are reports concerning the likelihood of Google renewing its focus on tablets, offering the developments that we have witnessed with the Android 12L. Google I/O could be used to showcase the new features that Google intends to bring to tablets and much larger-screened Android devices with Android 13L.
What About Hardware?
When it comes to hardware, there have been several discussions concerning the company launching a new Pixel tablet right before 2022 comes to an end. Previous reports discussed the possibility of Google announcing that a new pixel tablet might be launching alongside the pixel 7 smartphone and the Pixel foldable phone by October 2022.
However, given the fact that there is a four-month gap between Google I/O in May and October, it is likely that Google might actually showcase any of these rumored devices at the event. Well, the company might still make use of the occasion to send out teasers for these products – Just like it did with the Pixel 6 lineups for last year.
Also, it is pertinent to be aware that Google does not have any history when it comes to announcing major hardware products at Google I/O, with the exceptions being some Google Home products, some pixel smartphones, and select Chromecast models.
Well, we are expecting to dedicate a significant portion of its keynote to new initiatives that it is planning for WearOS. Given Apple’s dominance in the smartwatches segment, there is a chance that the company has planned major feature updates to its wearables operating system – Some of which might get announced at the Google I/O 2022. Also, there is a chance that Google would be clubbing this initiative. with the latest Fitbit hardware.
How to Attend Google I/O 2022
Ever since the pandemic hit in 2020, Google has transformed Google I/O into an online-only event. As a result, anybody can choose to e-attend by just simply turning it into a live broadcast.
For all those that are interested in attending developer-centric sessions, there are several options to register for the event, following which they can save and view content that’s relevant to them. In order to register, you might be required to create a developer profile. Unless you are keen on the developer events scheduled for Google I/O, it is best that you watch the standard Free-for-all keynote, which should cover everything that has to do with consumer-centric announcements from the company.
