The key date of the Android panorama is approaching, also the peak moment for all software products marketed by the company Alphabet: Google I/O 2022 is fast approaching. Marked for next May 11and lasting three days, the event for developers anticipates a shower of news.
Google is still dressing up for its most important developer conference, an anticipated I/O that not only brings interested people together physically, but also virtually. With the pandemic, gay people have witnessed slightly lackluster Google I/Os; a trend that is set to change for the next event scheduled for May. A few very busy days await us.
Android 13 will be the crown jewel
We’ve already seen several developer previews with what will be Android’s next key update, marked number 13. Code name Tiramisu, we were able to test the advance and the truth is that it indicates routes. Still without changing the design that Google had already anticipated at I/O 2021: Material You.
The Android 13 beta will have pride of place at Google I/O 2022. The company wants this new version to raise the privacy bar with new APIs for developers, better permission management, apps will see blind access to device storage cut off and a large part of the system functions will be performed on the mobile or tablet without the need for the Internet.
Android 13 features improved privacy and security, the design will retain the lines of Material You, and the animations will be even smoother. Google will provide better support for foldable screens and hopefully it will also give a boost to the interface and software for tablets. Android 13 will still have room for deep changes until its stable release in late summer 2022.
Will there be equipment? Everything points to a Pixel 4a and a Pixel Watch
Leaked Pixel 6a. Image by OnLeaks
Google I/O isn’t usually an event where hardware is showcased, but it wouldn’t be the first time either. And, given that the rumors seem to be persistent, we wouldn’t be surprised if Google took advantage of this to see the Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch see the light of day.
The Google Pixel 6a aims to be the cut version of the two models introduced in fall 2021, the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 6 Pro. In principle, the company would keep the Google Tensor processor in its mobile content plus, also the combination of Pixel 6 cameras. The exterior design would be very similar; while its dimensions would be reduced.
Leaked Pixel Watch. Picture of 91 mobiles
The Pixel Watch could be the hook for the relaunch of Wear OS 3.0, the operating system update for watches that at the moment is mostly found in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Due to the leaks, the Pixel Watch screen will turn, no bezel, with a physical crown on the right side and fairly generic smartwatch hardware in Wear OS.
Artificial intelligence galore
Google I/O is the perfect setting for the company to unveil its latest work in artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine learning. Mítica is the presentation of Duplex during the I/O of 2018, for example. And Google surely reserves an assistant masterpiece for next May.
This is the most difficult to predict since Google does not generally offer clues about its progress in the field of AI. Applied to phones, we’d say the Assistant will likely get more options for using without voice commands, include more call handling automation and, we bet, Google will emphasize your privacy.
Increased importance for tablets
Xiaomi tablet 5
It’s no secret that tablets were losing power in Android. Google did not leave them out from the native interface it adapts in size and space to the needs of large screensbut it is true that it is not a system that offers advanced options for use with these screens.
Android 12L has already anticipated improved handling of large-screen devices, whether tablets or foldable devices. Said 12L was definitely included in Android 12, so Google plans to evolve the system within the main branch of the operating system. We expect novelties in the use of Android in tablets for the next Google I/O, the tough competition offered by the iPad needs a twist on this segment.
Will Android Auto finally release its Coolwalk interface?
Android Auto Coolwalk
We’re planning room for Android Auto, which is usually a Google I/O regular. There will be something new in the vehicle operating system, hopefully at least the Coolwalk interface is one of them.
Google has been testing the new vehicle interface for several months without having made it public yet, not even in beta. We tried it and we can say that is mature enough. So, is there a better time to present it to the public than at Google I/O 2022?
Apart from Coolwalk, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google revealed more privacy options for Android Auto, more openness for developers to create their compatible apps and, in counterpoint, surely Google spent time on Android Automative, OS embedded in vehicles (not projected from the phone, which is usual).
Android TV and increased engagement with Google TV
If this has continued more or less during the last time, it does not imply that it already matters for Google: dado el enorme crecimiento del segmento de las Smart TVs, Android para televisiones es la vía de entrada para el software de la empresa en el room.
Android 12 currently ships in its stable form; so surely google unveil Android TV 13 the next mayo. Google TV will be vitally important to the business.
More pre-installed channels for Google TV, proactive operation, increased confidentiality, improvements in interaction with the assistant, more manufacturers jumping on the Android bandwagon for TVs, the long-awaited multi-user mode and, why not, maybe Google I/O is the perfect place to renew Chromecast with Google TV. That wouldn’t be unreasonable even though I/O isn’t usually a hardware event.
Important updates for Google Maps, YouTube, Drive…
Google’s key apps tend to get their attention in the keynote, also in subsequent sessions that Google officials have with the various developers. Therefore, it is expected that the full list of Google Apps take a leap forward in terms of functionality, also in the management of private data.
The Google I/O program is not yet available: the company will make it public as soon as there is little time left before the start of the event. We will update this article with all the information we know.
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