Google IO 2022: Highlights

An annual developer conference Google IO 2022 is held by Google every year, The I/O stands for Input/Output and their slogan is “Innovation in the open”. The 2020 edition of Google IO was cancelled because of the pandemic and last year it was held online.

This year Google’s I/O event included some exciting things. They have also showcased their new product lineups that will be announced later this year.

This event has been known for Google’s new projects like AI-powered advanced machine learning technologies and software but the past couple of years. Google I/O is more likely to become a hardware-based show. Where they introduced many hardware-based products. Now let’s catch up on what went down on 2 hours long IO keynote.

Here are the highlights of the IO events we saw on the 11th of May.

1. Latest Android 13.

Android 13

Source: Google

The thirteenth and upcoming major update of the Android mobile operating system, priced by Android 12, was developed by OHA(Open Handset Alliance) led by Google.

Android 13 intends to introduce new features that will enhance users’ privacy like a media picker that will allow the apps to access only those photos and videos permitted by the user.

And, a few changes bring to the user experience interface like an internet toggle through which a user can control both Wi-Fi and mobile data because they want it to look more organized. The Media player of the quick setting panel is now redesigned and now it uses the album cover as the background picture. It includes more media controls.

Some new features, like Bluetooth LE audio, which enables you to connect two Bluetooth devices and play music simultaneously, more advanced split-screen features, and many more.

2. New Google wallet.

Google Wallet

Source: The Verge

This new app has announced on Wednesday at a Google IO event, Google Wallet. It allows users to store debit cards, credit cards, driving licenses, loyalty cards, identification cards, boarding passes, and even car keys.

3. Meet Google Pixel 6a

Source: Google

Every year Google releases a middle-level model of their smartphone lineup, this year they came up with Google 6a. It is the latest and budget Google Pixel with the same google tensor chip and with all the exclusive features of Google Pixel 6 and 6 pros in smaller form factor starting at $499 and will release in the Indian market too.

Google Pixel 6a has a 4110maH battery, 6Gb rams, 128Gb of UFS 3,1 high-speed storage, and features a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with HDR support. It includes dual rear-facing cameras. The wide 27 mm f/1.7 lens has the Sony Exmor IMX363 12.2-megapixel sensor, while the ultrawide 114° f/2.2 lens has a 12-megapixel sensor.

The front-facing camera uses an 8-megapixel sensor. It is capable of recording 4K video at 30 or 60 fps and, Google has confirmed that the device will receive 3 years of major OS upgrades with security patches by 2025.

The device has arrived on the market where in India it is starting at Rs 43,999 at Flipkart.

4. Pixel Buds Pro

Source: Google

Following up with the event, The tech Giant unveiled the pro version of their Pixel Buds in their Google IO 2022 event which has active noise cancellation and 7 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancelation. Google said that these buds will come with a new Google chip that will connect two devices at a time and switch between them when you receive a call or any important thing. This Pixel Buds pro will cost 199$. They’ll also come in several colours, including black, red, and green, and will be available for preorder on July 21st.

5. New Pixel Tablet.

Source: Google

Google has announced that it will release a new pixel tablet next year. A new companion of the pixel in a new and bigger form factor will run Android 12L, specially designed for phones with bigger screens. Google hasn’t showcased much more specs and details about their new tablet. The tablet has a basic design with a single rear camera. We could expect this tablet to be released in the budget segment of around 300 to 400 USD.

6. In This year’s Google IO 2022 Event New so-called revolutionary Gadget: AR Glasses

Source: Google

At the end of the event. They showcased not so much a revolutionary gadget but yes, you might say it useful gadget but it looks like Google going to be the first player in this segment, AR glasses, which are capable of real-time translation for anyone. There are pretty much no details about will this product launch in the market for customers.  We all have seen AR glasses rumours on the internet and even some of them turn out to be official but never make it to the market for some reason.

7. Google Map’s Immersive View

Source: Google

Google also said and mentioned some new features about Google Maps coming this summer. According to Google, they have implemented street view into Google Maps, so the user can see the street views from the sky.

8. New Pixel 7 and 7Pro at Google IO 2022 event.

Pixel 7 and 7Pro

Source: Google

We all know Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were great devices by Google for a long time. Above all, there is no doubt their successor will do well too. In the past, Google doesn’t have a good track record of keeping their upcoming phone confidential information. It was usual for Pixels from getting leaked and spread over the internet. People will find hands-on videos, leaking their specs and features so tackling this thing. Google itself has announced the forthcoming Google Pixel 7 and 7Pro. It will launch between September and October and show some rendered images of it.

Both of the pixels come with the same design as it was last year for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro except for one more cutout in 7 Pro for its third rear camera. Following up with the upgrades in the cameras. Similarly, We can see some major performance jumps because it will run on a new generation of  Google’s Tensor CPU. Moreover, It is confirmed that 7 has a plastic frame and 7 Pro has a more premium recycled aluminium frame.

9. Say Hello! To the new Pixel Watch at IO 2022.

New Pixel Watch Unveiled at Google IO 2022

Source: Google

The Pixel watch hardware has already leaked. At the Google IO event, Google showcased the look of the new Google Pixel watch. That has a sleek and simple design. This time google wants its products to stand out from the line. it will operate by Wear OS 3. Some exclusive features like messaging calling inbuilt GPS tracking and better tracking of user fitness it will support Fitbit Integration. The watch’s pricing is not clear because they did not reveal it at the event.

10. Google’s New Customized Ad,

Google introduces a new Ad centre hub UI interface. It customizes the type of ads that the user wants to see according to their preferences for instance users now can select from varieties of range of topics. Users now can opt to see fewer ads on a given topic too.