Google IO 2022 revealed some interesting products and we learned a lot about the company’s point of view about AI, Android 13 and surely, Pixel phones. The company is also planning to release a Pixel tablet.
Which products have been announced at Google IO 2022?
Google IO 2022 is an annual developer conference that first and foremost focuses on apps for the Android, Chrome OS, and Wear OS platforms. Even if you’re not a developer, it’s worth paying attention to since we typically see the debut of new hardware and software at these events.
Pixel 6A: Specs, price and release date
Thanks to Google IO 2022 we’ve witnessed a new mid-range phone, the Pixel 6A. The phone will go out on July 21st for $449. The firm’s usual formula appears to be changing for this phone — previous A versions had cameras that were comparable to those seen on Google’s flagship Pixels but featured slower chips. Despite using the Pixel 6’s Tensor chip and design, the 6A instead goes with a 12MP sensor instead of the 50MP camera of Pixel 6.
Pixel Watch: Specs, price and release date
Pixel Watch was thoroughly leaked on Google IO 2022, so it’s no surprise that it appears on this list, but the software has now been unveiled. The smartwatch will run Wear OS 3.0 and include a Fitbit integration that allows you to keep track of your health stats.
There are still some unknown aspects of the watch: we don’t know what kind of chip it’ll use or how much it’ll cost. It is expected to go on sale in late fall, along with the Pixel 7.
Pixel 7: Specs, price and release date
The company also revealed some Pixel 7 and 7 Pro renders at Google IO 2022. The company opted for a different back panel design and camera placement. Just like the current series, the next generation Pixel phones will feature 2 cameras on the standard version, and 3 on the Pro version. Apparently, pink is no longer in the color palette.
The next generation of Pixel phones is on the horizon. Here’s a first look at the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro — equipped with a new generation of Google Tensor and a sleek design. Coming this fall. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/WMysJv1lZP
— Google (@Google) May 11, 2022
Pixel Buds Pro: Specs, price and release date
Google has unveiled the Pixel Buds Pro and they will cost $199 and offer ANC. When you turn on ANC, the headphones are supposed to have a seven-hour battery life. Google claims that the Buds include a new audio chip, and that they’ll be able to connect to two devices at once thanks to Bluetooth multipoint compatibility. They’ll also be available in a variety of colors, including black, green, and red, with preorders beginning on July 21st.
Pixel tablet: Specs, price and release date
Next year Google plans to release an Android-based tablet to act as an ideal companion for the Pixel with a bigger form factor. It’s wonderful to hear that Google is interested in entering the tablet market again. The only real hardware information we have about Google’s upcoming device is that it will include a Tensor chip.
Google AR glasses: Specs price and release date
The company ended its Google IO 2022 event with a sneak peek at AR glasses that could translate real-time while you talk. We don’t know if this will be a product that people can buy, but it’s fascinating to see more indications of Google’s approach to augmented reality. It looks like the company won’t miss the chance to compete with Snap and Meta.
Google prepared us some new AI features
Google IO 2022 was jam-packed with AI news. One of the more significant things announced is that users will be able to test Google’s language model in the future. Not just anyone will be able to use LaMDA 2, but Google plans to incorporate it into search and other services in the future.
Google is making automated translations available on YouTube for mobile. Plus Nest Hub Max will be able to scan shelves and pick the best chocolate bar for you. Google described this feature as “a supercharged Ctrl-F for the world around you.”
In addition, the company is enhancing its multisearch feature, which lets you search across several axes. For example, you may tell Google a photograph of a specific type of cuisine and ask it where you can get it. AI and AR are really important for the company, Google Lens text recognition makes its way to desktop.
User privacy is a key point for Google
The company released a slew of security and privacy updates at Google IO 2022, including the My Ad Center interface: a gateway that allows users to tailor the kinds of advertisements they view by selecting from a variety of themes or choosing to see fewer ads on specific topics. It also stated that Google is concentrating on implementing additional security measures into its products by default, as well as the idea of “protected computing” to do more processing on-device rather than sending data elsewhere.
Android 13 will take Material You a step further
Google revealed Android 13, as well as its plans for Android 14. The next version of Google’s mobile operating system appears to be taking the concepts introduced in Android 12 even further. Material You themes are now available in more locations, allowing you to customize applications to use various languages and adding a few security and privacy features. That doesn’t seem like much, but given that Android 12 was a little chaotic, perhaps it’s better this way. For those who are interested, the beta is now open.
Google Wallet is finally back
One of the innovations that the company introduced on the first day of the Google IO 2022 was Google Wallet. As it is known, the company has implemented this application before. But it disappeared by merging with Google Pay. Google today updated the application in a much more expanded way. In summary, Google Wallet will be used to store and manage debit and credit cards on Android devices. It can also store credit cards, digital IDs, transit cards, concert tickets, car keys and more.
Google Maps is updated with the immersive view feature
At Google IO 2022, the company introduced a new mode for Maps that gives users a more real-life view of the places they’re goinag before they even leave. The new Immersive View is similar to Street View in the air: you may look over a location from above to get an idea of the area and then drop to street level to find the specific locations you wish to visit. By the way did you know that Google Maps will no longer always recommend the fastest route? The default route will be the least polluting one.
