Google I/O will take place on May 10. The opportunity certainly for Google to present new products. As is often the case during the company’s spring keynote, Google is also expected to unveil a slew of software features on its Android, Chrome and search platforms.
But this year, more than any other, the search engine giant is caught between a rock and a hard place. The hammer is Microsoft’s dominance in AI with OpenAI and the resurgence of Bing. The anvil is manufacturers such as Samsung who have already showcased their flagship smartphones for the year.
For consumers, professionals and developers, Google in 2023 must provide products that provide unique, smarter and better value propositions than its competitors. And the upcoming I/O event is his first big chance to do so. Below is a detailed overview of all the products expected from Google this year, including those that will be on next month’s schedule and those that will be on the back burner for now, but shouldn’t be overlooked.
Pixel Tablet, Release Probability: High
Google
While most Android tablet makers continue to struggle in a complicated market, Google’s next Pixel Tablet puts practicality first – or so we’re told.
The company unveiled its next-gen tablet at its hardware event last October, touting a Tensor G2 processor, a new nano-ceramic coating reminiscent of porcelain, and a wireless charging dock that transforms the tablet into a smart home speaker when it’s not in your hands.
With the Pixel Tablet, Google is thinking beyond the standard wearable tablet use cases. And given its software prowess, a seamless entertainment and productivity experience that surpasses all other Android competitors is within reach. The company is expected to launch the Pixel Tablet at the Google I/O conference.
Pixel 7a, release chance: high
Google
The A-series of Pixels continues to play a prominent role in Google’s mobile lineup. This series packs most, if not all, of the latest Android software features into hardware that compromises just enough to come at a great price.
According to the latest rumours, including a note from developer Kuba Wojciechowski, this year’s Pixel 7a will feature a 90Hz display and wireless charging. Two features that are found in Google’s more expensive Pixel smartphones. The 7a will also be powered by the company’s Tensor G2 chipset.
As for the price, a recent article from 9to5Google suggests that the next model will launch during Google I/O for $499, which is $50 more than its predecessor. The increase comes at a time when consumer spending has stagnated, although Google justifies its decision by offering new features while continuing to sell last year’s Pixel 6a at a lower price – $299 if we are to believe it. the latest promotions.
Pixel Fold, chance of release: high
June Wan/ZDNET
The Pixel Fold is perhaps Google’s most anticipated product this year. The company’s first foldable device is set to launch at the I/O conference next month and comes at a time when Samsung, Motorola, Oppo and others are set to refine their shape-shifting hardware.
Besides needing to perfect the dual-screen form factor, all eyes are on Google to deliver an Android experience that can accommodate it. Note that the company has already made inroads into this area with Android 12L. If the Pixel Fold manages to seamlessly switch between indoor and outdoor screens, that’ll be enough to give it a leg up on most of its competitors.
Perhaps the Pixel Fold’s biggest problem will be its price. As has been the case with every other foldable device to date, however. The latest reports, from leaker Jon Prosserreport a price of $1,799, matching that of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung’s flagship device.
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, chances of release: high
Jason Cipriani/ZDNET
Google typically releases its flagship, slab-like smartphones in the fall, and that pace appears to be continuing into 2023. This year, the company is expected to launch the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the successors to the 7-series of the year. last.
Much of the specs for the new Pixel phones are still up in the air, though the company may possibly teaser the devices at its upcoming I/O conference, as it did with the Series 7 back in May.
Still, Google will likely focus on camera improvements, an improved Tensor processor (possibly dubbed “Tensor G3”), and new compute features that build on the successes of Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser from previous years. The new phones should also work with the latest version of Android 14.
Android 14, release probability: high
Android/ZDNET Developers
Consumers will be more attracted to hardware announcements at the I/O conference. But the company’s software advancements are likely to have a longer lifespan. While the developer preview of Android 14 is already available, the official rollout is expected later this year, around October. In the meantime, Google will test and showcase a lot of features that may or may not make it into the final release.
According to the developer preview and trends of Android 13, the new version of Android will focus on privacy, security, performance and, of course, material design customization.
Pixel Tracker, publication chance: average
Yanko Design
Earlier this year, Google improved its data transfer service, Fast Pair, so that Android smartphones can quickly and easily transfer files between devices on the initial startup screen. During this process, app development expert Mishaal Rahman discovered a line of code suggesting the company was working on a “location beacon”.
This Bluetooth tracker is said to be Google’s answer to Apple’s AirTag and Tile Mate, both of which have proven to be reliable location beacons. In this case, Google’s tracker will connect to the vast network of Android users to help track nearby distances.
Pixel Watch 2, Exit Probability: Low
Jason Cipriani/ZDNET
Last year’s Google Pixel Watch was the company’s first attempt to create a consumer smartwatch from the ground up, hardware included. Naturally, it had its first-gen issues, like poor battery life, and buggy software.
Given that the original Pixel Watch was the first of its kind, only time will tell what Google’s smartwatch release schedule will be. If things don’t change, a fall release is likely. Otherwise, expect an even more mature product at a later date.
Source: “ZDNet.com”