It’s Google I/O’s big keynote day! Once a year, Google kicks off its developer conference with a quick stream of announcements that end up revealing a lot of what it’s been working on behind the scenes lately.
Don’t have time to tweak an entire two-hour presentation? We get it – that’s why we’ve packed the biggest news in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand list. Let’s dive in!
Google finally makes a smartwatch
Brian Heater writes: “Here’s something that makes you mind your brain: Google has never produced its own smartwatch – but” all of that is about to change this fall. “.
Details are still very light (many details have now actually leaked ahead of time) but Google has shown the first official images of its first Pixel watch, expected will be released later this fall. Find all the details here.
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Image credits: Google
Last year, Google tried something new at I/O: they showed a little information about their new flagship Pixel phone – then the Pixel 6 – but saved most of the information for another announcement a few months later.
They’re doing the same thing this year with the announcement of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Details like pricing and release date are yet to be announced, but here’s what we do know: it will run Android 13 and use the next generation of Tensor chips. It borrows most of its design from the Pixel 6, including the raised “camera bar” that runs across the back. Want more? Check out the full article here.
Pixel 6a
Image credits: Google
Google is taking most of what made the Pixel 6 so good, slashing some specs to bring the price down to $449 (from $599) and releasing it as the Pixel 6a. It has a smaller screen (6.1″ vs 6.4″), less RAM, and a downgraded camera – but it still has things like Google’s custom Tensor chip, Titan M2 security chip, and 5G support. Find the full breakdown here.
Pixel Buds Pro
Image credits: Google
Pixel Buds with noise cancellation! Final! These $199 earphones are also IPX2 sweatproof and use things like beamforming mics, mesh windblocks, and bone conduction to improve the way you hear on calls. Find an overview of Brian here.
The next Google Glass?
Like many other products these days, Google has focused on the specifics – but just as they finished their keynote, Sundar Pichai played a quick trailer of what appeared to be a glass project. AR is happening in the same spiritual way as Google Glass (albeit with a much less jarring form factor). One particularly interesting thing to suggest is live transcription/translation – think subtitles for real life, with the speaker’s words displayed in your field of vision. Check out Brian’s notes here.
Pixel Tablet
Google is making Android tablets again! Final.
Teased today, Google won’t actually ship a new “Pixel tablet” until around 2023. Other than the fact that it’s in the works, though, Google isn’t saying anything about it.
Google wallet
Google has long offered Google Pay, an Android app where you can store digital credit cards for contactless payments. They are now expanding on the concept with a new app called Google Wallet, which will also “allow users to store things like credit cards, loyalty cards, digital IDs, transfer cards routes, concert tickets, vaccination passes, and more.” The implementation is a little different depending on the country you are in – Find all those details here.
Google Assistant Improvements
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Google Assistant just got a little smarter! Frederic has Full breakdown here.
Communicate more naturally: Now, the Google Assistant will be able to better understand when you’re making a command or when you need a second to figure out what you’re trying to say. The example is given on stage when the speaker says “You can play that new song from mmm….” And the Google Assistant will respond by saying “mmhmm?” and wait for them to complete their thinking.
Look and Say: On devices with a Google Assistant built-in camera (like the Nest Hub Max), you no longer have to say “Hey Google” before asking a question – just look at the device and it will use things like distance / head direction / gaze direction to understand that you are asking the question.
Quick phrase: Nest Hub Max will now let you use certain frequently used commands, chosen by you, without having to say the hot word first. So you can just scream “What time is it?” or “Turn off the lights” into the room, and the Google Assistant will act accordingly.
Improvements to Google Maps
Image credits: Google
Google Maps is picking up a few new tricks – check out Sarah’s Full post here.
“Immersive” view: Google Maps is getting a new 3D exploration mode, starting in some major cities, that lets you zoom around a 3D model of that city to better understand where things are. As their dataset expands, that 3D model will grow to include the interiors of famous restaurants and places.
Environmentally friendly routing extension: Late last year, Google launched a feature that lets you choose your route to optimize vehicle efficiency, rather than just whatever is fastest. It will expand that feature to Europe later this year.
Watch Live for third parties: Back in 2019, Google started rolling out a feature that uses your phone’s camera and the buildings/places around you to identify exactly where in the world you are for more precise navigation – most commonly to find out the walking direction when you have just started a new route. Google says it’s expanding the technology to third parties, showing examples like helping concertgoers find their seats or helping commuters find where to park their rented e-bikes.
New languages for Google Translate
Google Translate is learning dozens of new languages, with a focus on “languages with very large populations that are underserved.” The additions include Quechua, Guarani, Aymara, Sanskrit and Tsonga. Google says that many of the languages they add today would not have been technically supportable even just a few years ago, today only enabled by advances in machine learning. Find All the details are here.
Virtual Credit Cards in Chrome
Google Chrome will now be able to generate “virtual” credit card numbers to keep your real credit card numbers safe. If the virtual number is stolen, you can simply revoke it and generate a new one without the hassle of getting a brand new card. Here are all the details.
Learn more about skin tones
Image credits: Google
In addition to its work around Real Melodies To more accurately capture all skin tones in images, Google is working to improve its understanding of skin tones in search results. “Eg,” write Aisha“If you’re searching for ‘bridal makeup looks,’ you’ll have the option to find the best match” for a particular skin tone.
