What to Expect at Google I/O 2019: Android Q, Pixel 3a, and More

Dan Baker/Digital TrendsEvery new 12 months brings with it a slew of bulletins from the most important names within the tech business, and it’s Google’s flip to shine at Google I/O. For the fourth 12 months operating, Google I/O will probably be going down on the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. But whereas the environment stay the identical, the bulletins are all the time totally different, and we’re trying ahead to seeing what Google has in retailer for us this 12 months.
But issues are altering slightly greater than standard, or so it appears. While Google I/O has historically been a spot to point out off Google’s newest software program developments, there are hints that we might even see new on the present too. Here’s the whole lot you’ll be able to anticipate to see at Google I/O 2019.
Pixel 3a and 3a XL
Credit: 91MobilesGoogle’s Nexus vary was the darling of the midrange phone-loving neighborhood. Powerful, smooth, and oh-so reasonably priced, the Nexus’ reign of terror over different reasonably priced smartphones was put to an finish when Google launched the flagship Google Pixel in 2016. Rather a lot has modified since then, however there’s nonetheless a Google-shaped gap within the midrange market that wants filling, and Google could also be about to fill it with the discharge of two midrange Pixel units: The Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL.
While the value of the bigger of the 2 telephones isn’t identified, the Pixel 3a is rumored to begin from about $450, which is nearly half the value of the flagship Pixel 3. As such, you’ll be able to anticipate lower-end , with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor anticipated within the Pixel 3a, and the Snapdragon 710 within the Pixel 3a XL. The design is harking back to the Pixel 3, and contains some pretty chunky bezels.
However, each telephones are rumored to incorporate the identical 12.2-megapixel single lens because the flagship Pixel 3, and that might be an enormous promoting level for the vary. The Pixel 3’s digital camera has cemented it a spot as our favourite digital camera cellphone since its launch, and whereas the midrange processors might restrict the A.I. help accessible within the Pixel 3a, we’re extraordinarily to see what Google can pull out of the bag.
The reveal of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL is near be being a certainty. A blunder from Google meant an entry for the “Pixel 3a” was by chance made stay on the Google Store, and whereas it was swiftly eliminated, it’s affirmation the cellphone is coming, and that it’s coming quickly.
Read extra concerning the Pixel 3a and 3a XL
Android 10.0 Q
The new model of Android has all the time been the star of Google I/O, and despite the fact that a brand new Pixel cellphone threatens to steal the limelight, it’s doubtless Android 10.0 Q will dominate the keynote and workshops.
But what’s Android Q more likely to convey? The developer previews are already out, they usually’ve highlighted a number of nice new options being baked into Android’s candy shell. In-app “bubbles” akin to Facebook Messenger’s chat bubbles are more likely to be one of many largest options, and can mean you can see your newest notifications with out leaving your currently-open app. New and deeper controls over permissions are additionally anticipated, in addition to built-in assist for folding telephones, HDR10+, and the flexibility to entry the depth maps in photographs with “portrait mode” bokeh results. An OS-wide darkish mode is also within the works, which is nice information for individuals who don’t like being blinded by a vivid theme very first thing within the morning.
Most thrilling of all for Android veterans, Google is about to revamp the sharing operate totally. As anybody who’s tried to share on Android is aware of, the present sharing operate is a laggy mess, and it’s properly overdue an entire rework.
Read extra about Android Q
Google Assistant
Announcements of recent options for Google Assistant are one other custom at Google I/O, and we doubt this 12 months will probably be any totally different. Expect to listen to extra about Google’s appointment-booking A.I. Duplex, which just lately rolled out to a spread of Android and iOS units U.S.-wide. Whether which means new talents or worldwide rollouts we’re undecided, nevertheless it’s possible Google will probably be taking a look at Duplex’s A.I. as an enormous a part of the long run.
Google Assistant Connect can be more likely to be talked about, if not within the keynote, then within the workshops and talks as a substitute. Initially introduced at CES 2019, Google Assistant Connect permits third-party producers to simply join their good units to the Google Assistant, permitting the A.I. to entry and management these units.
Will we see the rest? Don’t rule it out. Google is consistently upgrading and including new options to Assistant, and it’s extremely doubtless the corporate will shock us with one thing new and thrilling in a lot the identical manner it stunned us with Duplex final 12 months.
Read extra about Google Duplex and Google Assistant Connect
The Nest Hub Max
Android PoliceWe don’t all the time see important updates or additions to the Google Home good system vary at Google I/O, however with Google most likely exhibiting off the Pixel 3a, it would simply determine to tug out all of the stops and exhibit much more new .
The good cash is at the moment on a bigger model of the Google Home Hub good show. This upgraded model would have a 10-inch show, a built-in digital camera, and stereo audio system, making it a extra formidable media-watching machine. Interestingly, it appears Google will probably be altering its branding for this system, utilizing Nest as a substitute of the extra acquainted Google. Named the Nest Hub Max, this might be the larger brother to Google’s present good show — which rumors say could also be renamed the “Nest Hub” or “Nest Home Hub” to match.
Read extra concerning the Nest Hub Max
Stadia
Streaming recreation providers have proved a tricky nut to crack for a lot of corporations over time, however that kernel might be popped now one of many world’s largest corporations has turned its consideration to it. For the uninitiated, Google Stadia is a manner for anybody with a high-speed web connection to play the newest high-spec video games on numerous . At a primary degree, Stadia will render the sport on Google’s high-end knowledge facilities, earlier than sending a compressed video stream of the sport to the Google Chrome browser. Player enter will then be transferred again to the info heart, and the method will proceed bouncing recreation footage and instructions back-and-forth. In idea, it’s an effective way to play video games, and removes the associated fee usually related to high-end gaming.
However, previous makes an attempt have normally fallen foul of the identical pitfalls — particularly lag. An extraordinarily quick connection is required for the expertise to be seamless, and that’s very true with high-speed video games like preventing video games or first-person shooters. Stadia might want to present its prepared for the large time in that regard. Still, if any firm can determine this out, it’s more likely to be Google.
While we don’t anticipate to get many solutions about Stadia till Google’s able to launch the service, we anticipate to as a substitute hear particulars concerning the launch itself, together with when it’ll develop into accessible and titles you’ll be capable of entry. In addition, we additionally anticipate to learn how a lot it’ll price as a month-to-month service.
Read extra about Google Stadia
Pixel Watch
Simon Hill / Digital TraitsWe’ve been ready for Google to rush up and launch a Pixel-branded Google Wear OS look ahead to a while now, so this has develop into an everyday part on these lists. While the watch was finally off the desk for 2018, 2019 is seemingly extra doubtless because the 12 months we lastly see a Google-built smartwatch. A report from the Japanese newspaper Nikkei says Google will probably be trying to reveal a Pixel Watch in 2019 alongside the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 3a vary.
However, we’ve not heard a lot about this product just lately, which favors the Pixel Watch coming with the Pixel 4, relatively than at Google I/O. That would make October a extra doubtless launch date, relatively than May. Still, we’ll be protecting a watch out simply in case.
Read extra concerning the Pixel Watch
Fuchsia
Rumors have been swirling a few mysterious new working system known as “Fuchsia” for a while now, and we anticipate to see hypothesis about Google’s third OS begin once more at each Google I/O. A 12 months in the past we weren’t clear whether or not Fuchsia was meant to exchange Chrome OS and Android, or complement them — and a 12 months later, we’re nonetheless none the wiser. What we do know is Fuchsia will apparently be capable of assist Android apps, which fuels the concept the OS could also be used to bridge the hole between smartphones and laptops. But actually, we simply don’t know.
Still, whereas a reveal and launch continues to be most likely a while away, we anticipate Google to make point out of its fledgling new OS at Google I/O 2019. We noticed it talked about in loads of workshops final 12 months, and we anticipate this 12 months will comply with suite. Keep your eyes open and also you would possibly be capable of glean some particulars, however don’t anticipate a lot else.
Read extra about Google Fuchsia