It’s official: Google has confirmed that it will host its annual I/O developer conference on May 14, 2024. The search engine giant has previously used the event to showcase software and service upgrades, and more recently, hardware upgrades. With just a few weeks to go until the I/O 2024 page is now live, let’s take a look at what Google might announce at this year’s conference.
When is Google I/O 2024? How to watch?
Google has confirmed that its I/O developer conference will begin on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 10 AM PST (1 PM ET). CEO Sundar Pichai is expected to kick off the event, with various Google representatives showcasing products and services. While there’s no official word yet – only a date has been confirmed – if Google sticks to tradition, the keynote will likely take place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.
The event is expected to be held live and will be attended by developers and media attendees. However, for those unable to attend, Google will live stream the event as usual. We’ll update this page once Google sets up a placeholder YouTube link for the event, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out what you can expect from Google I/O 2024, including updates on Gemini AI, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold 2, Android 15, and more.
What to expect from Google I/O 2024?
Android 15
Historically, Google I/O has been a major event for Android updates. The company usually uses its keynote to announce the latest version of Android, and this year is no exception. Google released the first developer preview of Android 15 in February and is expected to show off the full update at I/O 2024.
For now, most of Android 15’s features are being kept under wraps by Google, but the developer preview has given us a glimpse of what to expect from the update. So far, the update appears to be relatively minor, with subtle changes throughout the operating system. These include improvements to camera feedback for third-party apps, partial screen sharing, notification cooldowns, and new continuity features for foldable devices. However, Google may be saving some major upgrades for the I/O event.
Gemini upgrade
Source: Google
A big focus of Google I/O 2023 will be artificial intelligence—Google executives mentioned the term “artificial intelligence” nearly 150 times—and it’s likely that AI will remain a focus of this year’s event. Google reportedly plans to make a major announcement about Gemini and its overall artificial intelligence suite at the 2024 I/O conference.
In recent weeks, Gemini has faced scrutiny for generating false information and offensive images, resulting in a loss of $100 billion in the value of Google stock. Sundar Pichai will likely address these issues at the event. Additionally, the company recently rolled out the Gemini 1.5 update, so we’ll likely hear more about it during the event.
Pixel 8a
Turning to hardware, Google is expected to launch its new mid-range smartphone Pixel 8a at I/O 2024. The Pixel 8a is likely to feature a similar design to the Pixel 8 series, with rounded corners and subtle improvements from the Pixel 7a. In addition to this, the hardware is expected to be upgraded to 2024 standards, with Google bringing the Tensor G3 chipset to the “A” series, paired with up to 8GB of RAM.
For the front display, it will likely remain the same 90Hz instead of the 120Hz found in pricier models, although the Pixel 8a may feature Actua branding, suggesting a brighter display. The phone will run the latest version of Android and offer Pixel 8-like AI capabilities out of the box, but it’s uncertain whether Google will provide similar software support for the Pixel 8a for up to seven years.
As far as the cameras are concerned, there may not be major changes, but the price of the Pixel 8a may be different. Reports suggest that Google may increase the price of the Pixel 8a compared to the Pixel 7a, possibly by as much as $550, similar to the Pixel 7 price increase we saw on the Pixel 8 series.
Pixel Fold 2
Google I/O 2023 introduced us to Google’s first foldable device, the Pixel Fold, and I/O 2024 may mark the arrival of its second generation. Renders and leaks about the Pixel Fold 2 have surfaced ahead of Google I/O, giving us a rough idea of what to expect from the device.
The Pixel Fold 2 may have a completely different design compared to the first generation. The wider overlay display — what every Pixel fan loved about the original Pixel Fold — could be replaced by a larger 6.4-inch outer display that unfolds into a square form factor similar to the OnePlus Open, with a screen size of 7.9 inches.
The rear camera may get a redesign, with the camera hood replaced by a square camera module placed in the upper left corner. In addition, the larger inner bezels in the first-generation Pixel Fold may be replaced by under-screen cameras for a sleeker internal look.
There is no confirmation yet whether the Pixel Fold 2 will use the Tensor G4 chipset, so Google is likely to use the Tensor G3 and offer up to 16GB of RAM on the new foldable phone. Details on the camera and battery are still scarce, but we expect more information to be available as the launch date gets closer.
What else to look forward to at Google I/O 2024
At Google I/O 2023, we saw the launch of the Pixel tablet, a hybrid smart home device that also functions as a tablet. However, there haven’t been any reports suggesting a second-gen launch at I/O 2024, but never say never. This year’s I/O is expected to focus more on artificial intelligence and Google’s software services. What are you looking forward to at this year’s Google Conference? Let us know in the comments below!
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