What is Google I/O? It’s an annual developer conference where Google announces new hardware, software, and various updates for its existing apps and services.
When and where is Google I/O? The event is on now, kicking off Tuesday, May 7, and ending Thursday, May 9. It will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.
How to watch Google I/O? As with every year, Google will live stream its keynote and various other events. You can watch it in the video below. If you just want to read about everything discussed during the main keynote, click here.
Are tickets still available? Google uses a raffle system and selects attendees at random among those who have registered on the company’s website. The lucky winners still have to pay for tickets, which cost $1,150 (general admission), $750 (community), and $375 (academic). Registration for the event has closed and Google has already notified raffle winners via email, so tickets aren’t available anymore. Those who didn’t get tickets or who cannot travel to Mountain View may be able to attend local I/O Extended events. Be sure to check the listings.
What’s happened so far at Google I/O 2019?
To see what’s coming up at Google I/O, check out the posted event hub along with a basic schedule. Below, you’ll find summaries of what’s already been announced as well as what we expect to hear about before the conference ends.
Android Q Beta 3
Google announced the third beta for Android Q on stage at Google I/O. The third beta brings in a few new features, which we’ll get to in a minute. However, the most notable aspect of this new beta is that it can be installed on 21 different smartphones from 12 OEMs. This is far more devices than Android P supported in 2018.
Google has already released first and second developer previews of Android Q, but only for Pixel devices.
The initial betas have given us a good peek already at Q. Android Q will: support different accent colors, smooth over sharing tools, adjust notification clearing, ease Wi-Fi sharing via QR codes, add a secret desktop mode, add a native screen recorder, change volume settings functions, tweak microphone features, and much more.
On stage during the main keynote, Google specifically mentioned the following features:
- Native support for foldable devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold.
- Native support for 5G.
- Live Caption, which can automatically create captions for audio and videos. The feature can be used offline.
- System-wide Smart Reply, usable in non-Google messaging apps, such as Signal.
- Smart suggestions which recommend app actions based on messages. For example, bringing up Maps when someone texts you an address.
- Native dark theme.
- Completely revamped privacy settings with an emphasis on ultimate user control.
- The ability to apply security patches without needing to reboot.
- Focus Mode, which lets you silence certain apps from sending you notifications. This will come to Android 9 Pie as well.
- Family Link, which lets you control your kids’ screen time, among other smartphone features.
- Developers can manually push updates to apps installed on your phone.
- Android Q to improve security on entry-level devices.
- Google Play Store gives ‘star-stuck’ app ratings a nudge
Interested in checking out the latest developer preview? Find out how to install Android Q at the link.
Google Stadia
Surely Google will provide more information about its gaming subscription service, called Stadia. The company announced the cloud-based platform at the GDC gaming conference in March.
Stadia will offer triple-A game streaming potential to anybody with internet access and the Chrome web browser. It is compatible with Chromecast Ultra and Chrome (the browser) on desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones.
One of the hallmark features is the ability to switch from one device to another in just a few seconds, allowing gamers to take their games with them wherever they go. Stadia will also allow users to jump into a game they might be watching in a YouTube video, and it has its own controller –complete with a dedicated Google Assistant button.
Google’s Stadia will go head-to-head with Apple Arcade once both services get off the ground. Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.
Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
During the main keynote, Google officially unveiled the Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL. The two devices are Google’s first entries into the mid-range smartphone segment since the debut of the Pixel line.
Although the Pixel 3a line has the same rear camera hardware as the main Google Pixel 3 line, there are a lot of downgrades and aesthetic changes to keep the devices cheap. Fortunately, it will receive a new time lapse camera mode alongside the premium models.
Check out the specs table for the devices below:
| Google Pixel 3a | Google Pixel 3a XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.6-inch gOLED 2,220 x 1,080 resolution 18.5:9 aspect ratio Dragontrail | 6-inch gOLED 2,160 x 1,080 resolution 18:9 aspect ratio Dragontrail |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 2GHz + 1.7GHz octa-core, 64-bit | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 2GHz + 1.7GHz octa-core, 64-bit |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x | 4GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| MicroSD | No | No |
| Battery | 3,000mAh 18W fast charging No wireless charging | 3,700mAh 18W fast charging No wireless charging |
| Cameras | Rear: 12.2MP Dual-Pixel Sony IMX363 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, 76-degree field-of-view, autofocus with dual-pixel phase detection, optical + electronic image stabilization Front: 8MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 84-degree field-of-view | Rear: 12.2MP Dual-Pixel Sony IMX363 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, 76-degree field-of-view, autofocus with dual-pixel phase detection, optical + electronic image stabilization Front: 8MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 84-degree field-of-view |
| IP rating | No | No |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Active Edge Proximity Ambient light Accelerometer Gyrometer Magnetometer Barometer Android Sensor Hub | Active Edge Proximity Ambient light Accelerometer Gyrometer Magnetometer Barometer Android Sensor Hub |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor Titan M Security Module | Rear fingerprint sensor Titan M Security Module |
| Software | Android 9 Pie | Android 9 Pie |
| Dimensions and weight | 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm 147g | 160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2mm 167g |
| Colors | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish |
Google revealed on stage that the Pixel 3a and 3a XL will land on more carriers than ever, including Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular (AT&T was notably absent from the list). Obviously, the Pixel 3a line will work on Google’s own Google Fi as well.
You can buy the Pixel 3a unlocked for just $399, and the Pixel 3a XL for $479. Unfortunately, neither phone comes with free original quality Google Photos backups. Make sure to read our full review to learn more about the two handsets.
Google Nest Hub Max
You know the Google Home Hub? That’s getting rebranded to the Nest Hub, and Google simultaneously introduced a sibling called the Nest Hub Max. The Nest Hub Max is larger, featuring a 10-inch display that is massive compared to the Nest Hub’s 7-inch screen.
Along with a bigger display, it also features a front-facing camera which allows for Google Duo video calls as well as some nifty AI-powered tricks. For example, the Hub Max can detect who is walking by and then pull up the right information for that particular person (calendar events, notifications, etc.). It can also send you an alert if someone it doesn’t recognize walks by when you’re not at home.
You can read our full write-up on the Nest Hub Max here. It will cost $229 when it lands in July.
Additional coverage:
- I want the next-gen Nest Hub to have a camera
- Google Nest Hub Max vs Google Home Hub – here’s what’s new
- Google Home Hub rebranded to Nest Hub, Google Home speakers next?
Android Automotive OS
Google may have a number of Android Automotive OS topics on the agenda for I/O 2019, but one we know about for sure is third-party app development. Last week, Google announced it was opening up the platform to media app developers so they could start building “new entertainment experiences,” and it will hold a development session dedicated to helping creators make apps for cars.
While it does not necessarily have anything to do with Android Automotive, the Google Assistant will soon receive a driving mode. With it, though, the Android Auto car app is getting killed off.
Surprises
Google often has a surprise or two at I/O, despite the flood of rumors that appear in the run-up to these events.
Immediately after its keynote at I/O 2014, the company introduced Google Cardboard: a DIY box that could turn your smartphone into a VR unit, and something that caught many folks off-guard. Last year Google revealed Duplex, another product which had seen little in the way of leaks in the build-up to its place in the keynote.
This year, not much was announced outside of the keynote. We did get unfortunate news for developers who interact with Nest’s APIs. Along with Google bringing all of its smart home products under the Nest name, the company is also killing off the Works with Nest program.
There you have it! These are some of the most interesting rumors and possible announcements for the upcoming Google I/O conference. We’ll update this post as soon as we hear more to keep you up to speed with all the latest.
If you are looking to read a full run-down of the main keynote speech delivered at the start of Google I/O, click here.