Google is all set to host its annual developer conference, Google I/O, as it is conventionally known, which is taking place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View next week. For the first time in four years, the conference is back, and it promises to be as informative as ever. During the kickoff keynote, Google is expected to unveil all of the different software projects that it has been working on for the past year.
The Google I/O 2023, which is scheduled to start at 10 AM PT on May 10, will also focus on the upcoming Android 14 release. However, some experts argue that Google has missed a step in the current generative AI land rush. Bing, the search engine owned by Microsoft, has had an unexpected moment of glory, leaving Google behind in the race.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai is expected to highlight the company’s continuing dominance in the field of artificial intelligence at the upcoming annual developer conference. While previous events have emphasized the practical applications of AI, such as mobile imaging and customer service, this year’s conference is expected to showcase more cutting-edge developments in the field.
On the hardware side, developer conferences are often a mixed bag. However, this year’s conference is rumoured to have a strong focus on consumer electronics, following a relatively slow year for the industry at large. While the details remain to be seen, there is speculation that Google may debut new hardware products or showcase upgrades to existing devices at Google I/O.
The expectations are high from this year’s Google I/O
Now, let’s take a closer look at the topics that we anticipate Google might surprise with the presentations that will take the stage at this year’s Google I/O. There are basically three main areas:
- Google’s AI scene
- Android ecosystem
- Made by Google: Hardware
Each of these is related to certain products that are expected to be the subjects of very exciting announcements at this year’s Google I/O as we discussed below:
Google’s AI scene
Gmail, Docs, and Workspace
The rise of generative AI is driving many of the new features Google is bringing to its products. Google has already incorporated these features into Gmail and Google Docs, and is testing them in Google Slides and Google Meet. For example, users can now use image generators in Google Slides, while Google Meet automatically creates notes from a video call.
However, at the upcoming Google I/O 2023 event, Google must provide more information on how these generative AI features will be integrated into its Workspace apps. It is also important for the company to reveal details about their public launch and how it will be made available to non-Workspace users. It is possible that Google One may play a role in this. For now, it makes sense for features like those already available in Gmail and Google Docs to be free for initial testing.
Search
As the centrepiece of Google’s technology arsenal, many parties are eager for an update on how AI will be integrated into Search. This includes investors and other stakeholders as well as end-users, who have demonstrated an interest in conversational-style queries and responses. While the company has previously teased the AI Insights feature with the introduction of Bard, a more comprehensive demonstration of the end-to-end experience is required.
Chrome
There have been rumours about a chatbot in Chrome that allows users to ask questions about the web page they are currently viewing, and this feature sounds like it would be useful. Since Chrome is a major way in which people use Google’s services, it is important for the company to have a generative AI presence in the browser.
Assistant
In the world of voice assistants, generative AI and its conversational abilities offer great potential. Google Assistant, however, has hit a wall with its feature set shrinking and its development team is currently focusing on Bard. This leaves uncertainty around whether Google is prepared to announce upgrades for Assistant. If it does, Google could position Assistant as more capable than competitors like Siri or Alexa, as Microsoft currently does not have a voice assistant.
To address concerns among end-users, Google needs to publicly reaffirm its commitment to Assistant at Google I/O 2023. The company could provide an upgrade roadmap, although simply providing assurances would be a good start after several months of little development. By doing so, Google can assure users that their devices still have a bright future ahead.
Developer tools
As a developer conference at its core, I/O is expected to feature AI developments for this particular audience. One area of interest will be the assistive tools that will be showcased in Android Studio, designed to assist in the development of apps.
Android ecosystem
Android 14
At Google I/O 2023, we can expect Google to unveil the significant highlights of their forthcoming mobile release, as well as a preview of Android 14 Beta 2 to allow users to test some of the updates. Android 14 appears to be an incremental improvement that builds upon Material You.
Android XR
In February, Samsung gave a sneak peek of an XR device, a headset, that would run on Android. However, there has been no update on the operating system since then. The upcoming I/O event would be a perfect platform for Google to unveil it, and it would also help the company stay ahead of the competition, specifically, Apple’s realityOS, which is set to be announced in June. The announcement of the OS at the event would be the first step towards getting third-party developers on board.
Industry experts are eagerly waiting to hear the company’s vision for the XR (Extended Reality) device form factor, and its potential impact in the short and long term. While glasses may represent the future of XR, current bulkier headsets have a more immediate potential for productivity and entertainment use cases. In order for developers to experiment with these experiences, Google must provide the necessary devices and operating systems. Some have speculated that Google may take a similar approach to Apple, whose upcoming headset is rumoured to run iPad apps, thus increasing the push for Android’s large-screen development.
Wear OS
In 2021, Google announced the release of Wear OS 3, followed by the quiet release of version 3.5 last year. It seems that the timing is right for Wear OS 4 to be unveiled, which will likely come with an upgrade to Android 13, and with it, the Material You design language.
ChromeOS, Wear OS, Google TV
The Android team has recently been pushing cross-device experiences that highlight the benefits of a unified ecosystem. To that end, Google has released the Cross-Device Services app to enable app streaming on ChromeOS. At Google I/O, we expect to see a demonstration of the app and learn about its release date. Another eagerly anticipated feature is the ability to use a paired Wear OS watch to unlock an Android phone.
In the entertainment space, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding upcoming Better Together initiatives. There have been rumours about connecting Nest and third-party speakers to Google/Android TV devices. Moreover, the roadmap for 2024 includes a more accessible smart home control system and other integrations. The arrival of Fast Pair for Google TV and Android TV is also eagerly awaited.
Find my device
Google is expanding its Find My Device network to encompass third-party accessories, in line with its Better Together initiative and the broader Android ecosystem. The tech giant has indicated that it will be encrypting and storing the latest location of user devices with Google as part of its groundwork for this move. Additionally, there are ongoing rumors of a potential Google-made tracker that could further expand the company’s reach in the location-tracking market.
Made by Google: Hardware
Pixel 7a, Tablet, and Fold
In terms of the Pixel lineup, it appears that Google is aiming for immediate availability with the Pixel 7a. This strategy was also used for the Pixel 3a at the 2019 I/O event and had been the plan for subsequent years until COVID-19 disrupted supply chains. At this year’s Google I/O, launch details for the Pixel Tablet may finally be announced, one year after it was initially teased. Additionally, Google is set to debut a new hardware category with the Pixel Fold.
Other Pixel hardwares
Fitbit
Fitbit has removed some features from its app with the promise of introducing new ones. However, the company needs to start sharing its plan for new capabilities, and I/O would be the ideal time to do so. It is expected that Fitbit will unveil a redesigned app and new features. There have also been rumors about Fitbit integration for live exercise stats on Google TV, which would continue the Better Together initiative.
Google Home
The Google Home app is currently in Public Preview, and last year, the company hinted at several other features. These features include a web-based Script Editor and additional grouping options with Custom Spaces. We are anticipating receiving further updates on these features at the upcoming event.
Google’s design of the website for this year’s I/O looks also very fancy and full of further interesting information and gives you the chance to register to watch the live-streamed keynotes for the event on May 10, 2023.