Google’s developer conference is returning to the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California in May this year. And this time around, it will be a physical event. Last year, Google returned to Shoreline for I/O, but it was still a virtual event, live streaming on YouTube. This year, Google is inviting press to the event.
However, there are some changes this year, Google I/O is taking place on May 10. Only May 10. Typically, in the past, we’ve had a multi-day Google I/O. It was three days, then moved to two days, and this year it’s just a single day. It also doesn’t look like Google is inviting developers. So it’s still not completely back to pre-COVID times.
But here’s everything you need to know about Google I/O 2023.
What is Google I/O?
Google I/O is the company’s annual developer conference, that typically takes place each May. Usually around mid-May. It first started in 2008, and has happened every year since, with the exception of 2020.
Google I/O (which stands for Input/Output) is where the company will typically announce new software as well as updates to its products. Google has a lot of products these days, but a few mainstays of I/O include Android and Chrome.
I/O was always held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, until 2016. Moscone Center was the home to Apple’s WWDC and Microsoft’s BUILD conference as well. Though, only the BUILD conference still takes place there now. In 2016, Google moved I/O to the Shoreline Amphitheater, which is a stone’s throw away from the Google Plex. It’s a much larger venue, and is now outdoors. Making it perfect for Google’s ever expanding products.
When is Google I/O?
This year, Google I/O will take place on May 10. That’s shorter than it has been in recent years. Many times, it’s three days long – usually Tuesday through Thursday. But that is not the case this year.
There have been a few years where I/O was only two days, but that hasn’t happened since 2015. And ironically, the length has nothing to do with how many big announcements Google has. Since the 2015 edition of I/O brought us quite a few features across all of Google’s products.
How can I watch Google I/O?
Google I/O is always free to watch online and this year, it’ll be easier than ever. You can watch all of the keynotes and sessions on Google’s I/O website here. You’ll also be able to watch these on the Google Developers and Android Developers YouTube channels.
You can also register on the site, and set up your schedule to “attend” different sessions and get notifications when those sessions are set to begin.
What is Google expected to announce?
So what exactly is Google going to announce at I/O this year? Well, we really don’t know just yet. As there’s been very few rumors and leaks about I/O so far. But there are a few things that are a lock-in for I/O every year.
Android 14
Typically at Google I/O, the company will formally announce the next version of Android. Even though developer previews start way back in February. As they did this year. We’re expecting the first beta to come in April, but the first major beta release will likely come at Google I/O.
Google will likely save most of the new features in Android 14 for its keynote at I/O. There’s already been a lot of rumors about what we might see in Android 14, which you can check out here.
Pixel Fold
Recent rumors have pointed to Google announcing the Pixel Fold at I/O, with the device being made available in June. We’ve seen quite a few rumors and leaks in the past few days actually. Including a price tag here, which is set in the $1,700 range. Now that does sound pretty high, but remember, other foldables are in that price range too. Like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 which starts at $1,799.
The outside of the Pixel Fold will have a 5.8-inch display, with a 7.6-inch main display. That means that it will likely be the same dimensions as the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It’ll also weigh around 280g, as well as having the most durable hinge, according to Google.
Now what will be even more exciting here is the software. Is Google going to be able to make the software work really well on this foldable? Software has always been the achilles heel for other foldables. But where Google makes Android, maybe things will be different.
Pixel 7a
Typically, Google does announce the a-series at I/O. And this year, we’re expecting that to happen again. This year, that would be the Pixel 7a, which is expected to be a bit smaller than the Pixel 7 smartphone that they launched last year. It’ll come with the Tensor G2 processor, and likely 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage under-the-hood.
Recent rumors have stated that the Pixel 7a will be getting a price bump this year. Jumping up to $499. Which is not a huge surprise. The Pixel a-series has always been $449 since the Pixel 3a. So this seems like a reasonable jump here. The surprising thing is that Google is planning to keep the Pixel 6a around – maybe at the most common sale price of $299?
Pixel Tablet
That’s not all the hardware we are expecting from Google I/O this year. Google is also slated to finally release the Pixel Tablet at I/O. After first teasing it last year at I/O, and then teasing it again last fall, it’s finally upon us.
This is not Google’s first tablet, but it could be one of the best tablets on the market. From what Google has told everyone so far, this tablet will dock, like a Nest Hub. Making it a really interesting tablet, and one that Google fans will love. It will also feature a revamped version of Android. Google has been working to make Android work better on tablets and foldables, and Google I/O will be a real test of that.
Google I/O is like Christmas for Google fans
I/O is always very exciting for Google and Android fans. A lot of people refer to it as “Christmas for Android users” and well, it really is. Lots of exciting announcements happen at Google I/O. Though in previous years, those announcements have gotten less exciting. And that’s because most of Google’s products are pretty mature now, and don’t need big updates or big features. Hopefully Google can surprise us this year.
Either way, we are excited to see what Google has planned this year. Mark your calendars for May 10.
2023-04-20 15:09:12