Google I/O 2022: What to expect

Google is expected to make new announcements at its annual I/O developer conference on May 11. The key focus is expected to be around software and services that Google offers, however a sneak peek into some of the upcoming devices including a new smartphone and a smartwatch cannot be ruled out given the Alphabet company’s continued push into hardware. A case in point is the latest Pixel devices that now run on Google's Tensor chips. 

More user safety features

Google is also facing a lot of scrutiny for its dominant position in the online market that gives it an advantage over rivals and third-party developers. The European Union announced new laws in March-April to curb some of these powers and make companies such as Google more accountable to users by preventing spread misinformation and hate speech through their various platforms. It won't be surprising to see Google make some announcements in Android or Play Store or other Google apps to address these concerns and make them safer for its users, especially younger ones. 

Android 13

The key highlight of most I/O events is usually the upcoming version of Android. This year, Google is expected to launch Android 13 and at the I/O, the company may announce the public beta for Android 13 to give developers and enthusiasts early access to its cool new features. Though no major design overhaul in UI is expected, Google may add some new themes and features aimed at hybrid workers. Some announcements on privacy and security can also be expected given the constant threat Android devices face, especially with the shift to hybrid work and more devices being used for work outside of the secure office network. 

New Pixel devices

With Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro limited to select markets due to their high prices, Google may launch a low-cost variant of it called the Pixel 6A for markets such as India. Though previous follow-up Pixel devices such as Pixel 4A and 3A had slightly inferior processors as compared to their bigger siblings, it is believed to change this year as Google now has its own Tensor lineup of processors. The Pixel 6A is expected to run on the same tensor processor we saw on Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Google may, however, downgrade the camera and offer a smaller screen size on the Pixel 6A to cut costs. 

Pixel watch

With the Wear OS taking a backseat in the smartwatch market due to limited interest from OEMs, Google is expected to launch its very own Pixel smartwatches. Though Google's sub brand, Fitbit has its lineup of smartwatches and smart bands, they run on the proprietary Fitbit OS, with the Pixel smartwatch Google might get to revive interest in the Wear OS again. 

Google is also expected to make some improvements in Wear OS and may launch new safety and battery enhancing features. 

Android tablets 

Remote work and learning have received the tablet market once again globally. With rivals such as Apple making a strong push for it with its new low-cost iPad and iPad Mini tablets, Google has a strong reason to make its Android OS for tablets as appealing and productive for working professionals and students. Though it is believed that Google is working on a Pixel tablet, at the IO conference, the company is more likely to announce new features for tablets that would allow apps to make the most of the bigger screen.