Google's developer conference, Google I/O, will start next week. It is likely that fans will see some major product announcements, including more details on Android 12 and Pixel hardware.
The internet giant did not have a conference last year because of the pandemic, so there is a lot to catch up on.
How to Watch Google I/O
Google I/O will be held virtually this year and will be free for everyone to attend. It will start on May 18 and end on May 20. The opening keynote starts at 10am PT or 1pm ET on May 18.
The company has also published an official schedule for keynotes and breakout sessions.
To sign up for Google I/O, those who want to join needs to sign in to their Google account, and register for the virtual event.
Read also: Android 12 Leaks: Unused Apps to Hibernate and Free Storage on Device-Offloading Apps Like iOS?
Android 12 Updates
Android 12 could bring the biggest visual change to the operating system in years. Leaked screenshots emerged earlier this year showing a new interface, privacy features, and widgets, according to CNET.
While the first developer beta released in February had a lot of changes under the hood, there were a few hints in the Settings app pointing to a complete redesign on the way.
Called as the Material NEXT in a leak from XDA Developers, fans may see changes to the lock scree, notifications panel, and a new theming system.
Google may announce the public beta of Android 12 at the conference, so fans could see the first official look at Android's new paint job as well.
The timing of I/O also lines up with Google's schedule shown below for Android 12 beta releases.
Pixel Products and WearOS
Rumors about a Pixel Watch has been going on for years. The conference could be where Google will present its first branded wearable.
A leak in April 2020 from Jon Prosser showed a circular watch likely powered by a new version of WearOS. The renders show a watch without a bezel around the screen, no physical buttons, interchangeable watch straps, and indications that the watch will have a heart rate sensor.
This will mark as the first major Google event since buying Fitbit.
It seems unlikely that fans will see a new hardware as the Fitbit Luxe was just announced, but Google could announce broader integration of Fitbit within the Google ecosystem, or even in WearOS.
Another WearOS rumor from MT points to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 running Google's operating system instead of Samsung's own Tizen, which fans might hear more about during I/O.
Google Assistant and Smart Home Products
The conference has had some show-stopping product demos in the past, like when the Google Duplex AI had a natural phone conversation with a real person to make a hair appointment.
While fans do not have any leaks pointing to exact capabilities coming to the Google Assistant, it is possible fans could hear news of the new Assistant coming to more Android devices, not just Pixel phones.
An official blog post also said to expect new features and new product announcements in smart home.
Google launched the $99 Nest Audio toward the end of 2020, so it could get some new features, or fans could see a new version of the Nest Hub Max.
For now, followers could only wait until the I/O 2021 event to know what exactly the internet mammoth has planned.
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Written by Sophie Webster
