It’s almost that time again, folks: We’ll be checking out some of Google’s big ideas for the coming year on its website. Most of the big news will come from the opening keynote on May 14th, which will almost certainly give us more information about Android 15 as well as a whole bunch of AI updates.
There will certainly be some surprises, although we’ll most likely have to wait until the fall to get full information about the company’s latest flagship hardware.
As always, the rumor mill is churning with a number of reports highlighting what Google is expected to talk about at I/O. To that end, here’s what you can expect from the Google I/O 2024 keynote:
Android 15
The I/O is primarily a developer conference. Here, Google always gives third-party developers all the information about the next major Android version so that they can start working on apps for it or modify their existing products.
The first betas of Android 15 are already in circulation. These include an updated Privacy Sandbox, partial screen sharing (so you can record or share a specific app window instead of the entire screen), and the ability to free up storage space. There’s also improved satellite connectivity, additional in-app camera controls and a new power efficiency mode.
However, Google saves the majority of Android 15 announcements for I/O. The company has confirmed that satellite messaging will be available on Android, and we could find out more about how that works. Lock screen widgets could be a focus for tablets, while Google may prioritize an “At a Glance” widget for phones. A status bar redesign may be coming, and it could finally be easier for you to monitor battery health.
Third-party assistants like Alexa and even ChatGPT may see wake words back on the agenda. There may be a feature called Private Space that allows you to hide data and apps from prying eyes.
AI and much of it
If you put a dollar in a jar every time someone mentions AI during the keynote, you’ll probably have enough money saved up for a vacation. The safe money is being talked about at Google, which may replace Assistant entirely. If that’s the case, we could find out some details about the transition in I/O.
Back in December, Google was working on an AI assistant called Pixie as an exclusive feature for Pixel devices. Pixie is said to be based on Gemini and may debut in the Pixel 9 later this year, so it would make sense for the company to discuss this at I/O.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear more about generative AI updates to key Google products like Search, Chrome, and G Suite. AI-controlled and possibly also in preparation. Meanwhile, with Google once again planning to eliminate third-party cookies in Chrome, the company may see AI as such and reveal a plan to do so at I/O.
Everything else
This provides a glimpse into what else Google will discuss, even if those products and services aren’t necessarily mentioned in the keynote.
Google is delving into the future of Wear OS and will provide details on “watch face format progress.” So expect some news about its smartwatch operating system. It will also be available to watch on Google TV and Android TV.
In the meantime, Google’s quantum computing team will talk about what’s possible in this area and try to separate fact from fiction. A is also on the agenda, highlighting developments for multi-display and casting experiences.
What you can’t expect: Pixel 9 or Pixel Fold
It would be a big surprise for Google to unveil a Pixel 9 or a new Pixel Fold so early in the year. The company will likely save these details for the fall, before the devices launch at that time. However, this officially happened at I/O last year, giving us a look at some hardware – especially if it wants to stay one step ahead of the leakers and control the narrative.
On the other hand, Google recently consolidated its Android and hardware teams under Rick Osterloh. His team may want a little more preparation to ensure new equipment is ready for prime time under the latest regime. Therefore, any hardware news (including anything Nest or wearables related) could be a little further in the future.