Google’s annual I/O event is something we look forward to every summer. Known for breaking new advancements in tech and software, Google also uses I/O’s stage to showcase its upcoming products. Last year, the Pixel Fold made its debut at the event. Google I/O 2024 is set to take place on May 14 and is expected to be a relatively quiet affair compared to last year. This doesn’t mean there won’t be some exciting announcements at the event. Here are the top 5 things to look forward to at Google’s summer event.
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In This Article
Google Pixel 8a to make an unsurprising debut
As is tradition, Google will unveil its latest affordable Pixel at its annual I/O event. Based on the Pixel 8 Series (our review here), the 8a will be powered by the company’s Tensor G3 processor. If the rumours are to be believed, the Pixel 8a will be the first A series Pixel to feature a 120Hz OLED display. Pixel 7a (our review here) was the first affordable Pixel to make the switch to a 90Hz display – a big upgrade over the 60Hz display of the Pixel 6a (our review here). As far as the design and form factor are concerned, the Pixel 8a will match the flagship 8 Series (our review here).
Google Pixel Fold 2 and Tablet 2 release on the cards?
2023’s Google I/O event saw the company’s first-ever foldable phone make its debut. Google’s first-generation Pixel Fold can hold its own among the sea of folding phones. Its passport-shaped design lends it a unique look and makes it easy to operate. Powering the smartphone is the Tensor G2 SoC. Keeping up with the latest trends, Google is expected to release the Pixel Fold 2 this year. However, with no rumours or leaks surfacing on the Internet as of yet (which is very out of character for a Google device), we don’t expect the smartphone to be announced at the I/O 2024 event.
A later release date could mean that the Pixel Fold 2 will skip the Tensor G3 SoC entirely and come equipped with the Tensor G4, like its Pixel 9 Series counterparts. The Pixel Tablet 2 will also be absent from the 2024 I/O event. Google may release a teaser for the second iteration of its in-house tablet, but a release is not on the cards for the next few months.
Android 15 will bring a host of new features with it
While there won’t be a lot of product launches at Google I/O 2024, you can expect a lot of activity on the OS front. Last year, the Android 14 OS barely got mentioned at Google’s I/O. This will not be the case in May 2024. The first Beta version of Android 15 is set to go live in April, and it will form a significant part of Google’s keynote at the I/O 2024 event. The new OS will improve Google’s Find My Device feature, adding the option to track devices that are switched off. In a bid to reduce online scams, the new Android 15 OS will prevent malicious apps from reading the sensitive OTPs on your phone. We expect Google to hold back some features on the first Beta version of Android 15 for a grand reveal at I/O 2024.
New AI advancements
After Open AI broke the mainstream with Chat GPT, it was only a matter of time before AI tech was integrated into our smartphones. Google has had some success with its AI models, which power the Pixel 8 Series as well as the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Series. While the company has faced a fair share of challenges in matching Open AI’s advancements with Chat GPT, Google’s Gemini model looks like it is here to stay. The company will likely showcase Gemini’s integration with its Android suite of apps at this year’s I/O. In an unexpected turn of events, it was recently reported that Google may join hands with Apple and bring Gemini to iPhones. If that is the case, the I/O 2024 would be the perfect stage to break the news.
Google Pixel 9 Series reveal?
If we’re lucky, we could get a glimpse at Google’s latest flagship series of smartphones. Not much is known about the Pixel 9 Series, just like the Pixel Fold 2 and Tablet 2, which means it certainly won’t be announced at I/O 2024. However, Google could tease the two smartphones and perhaps confirm a few details related to the processor. The official launch for the Pixel 9 Series will take place later in the year and it will be interesting to see how Google lines it up with the release of the Pixel Fold 2.
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Conclusion
These are the top 5 things you can expect at Google’s I/O event on May 14, 2024. While Google’s announcement at I/O 2024 may not be as stacked as last year’s event, AI enthusiasts certainly have a lot to be excited about. What are you looking forward to seeing at this year’s I/O? Let us know in the comments!
