All-virtual Google I/O is officially happening next month

Today, Google published a new teaser page filled with riddles. Once deciphered (thanks to Android Police), the page gives some preliminary details for the next iteration of Google’s developer event, known as I/O.

Google canceled the I/O event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were rumors that it could be a stripped-back, online-only affair instead, but in the end, Google simply called the whole thing off. Google I/O 2021, though, is on and happening in that all-online format we expected in 2020.

Related: Google buyer’s guide: Everything you need to know about Google hardware

With the event being online-only, that means it will be free for all to watch. This is a big change from previous years in which in-person events could only be attended by paid ticket holders. Just to get one of those tickets, you’d need to win a lottery-style contest. If you “won,” your ticket would have a four-figure cost.

We expect Google I/O 2021 to feature tons of new information related to Android 12. It’s also reasonable to expect new hardware launches. Google launched the Pixel 3a at the 2019 iteration of I/O. Had the event happened in 2020, we almost certainly would have seen the Pixel 4a at I/O. We wouldn’t be surprised if we see the expected Google Pixel 5a at this year’s I/O, possibly alongside the Pixel Buds A (which Google’s already accidentally leaked).

We’ll be covering the full event, so stay tuned for all the info!