The most exciting time of the year for Android enthusiasts is on May 14 as Google presents its I/O developer conference. What can you expect this time around?
Android 15
Needless to say, a big part of the conference will be dedicated to announcements around Android 15, the next version of the OS that will run millions of phones globally.
The first Android 15 betas are already out and among the new features are an updated Privacy Sandbox, partial screen sharing (you can record or share a certain app window instead of the entire screen) and system-level app archiving to free up space. Also available are improved satellite connectivity, additional in-app camera controls and a new power efficiency mode.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg as most of the important features will be announced at the conference. We may hear plenty about lock screen widgets, a status bar redesign may be on the anvil and it may become easier for you to monitor battery health. Rumours suggest there could be a feature called Private Space to let you hide data and apps from prying eyes.
Google may talk about the future of Wear OS, which will include details on “advances in the Watch Face Format”. There will also be updates on Google TV and Android TV.
AI zone
Google will have a lot to talk about and take the competition to OpenAI. Expect Google to talk about Gemini AI, which may end up replacing Assistant entirely. Google is working on an AI assistant called Pixie as an exclusive feature for Pixel devices and it may debut in the Pixel 9 later this year. There will be updates for key Google products such as Search, Chrome, Maps and G Suite. AI-driven accessibility features and health projects may be in the offing too.
Google’s AI announcements may offer a hint at whatever news Apple might have in store for its WWDC developer conference keynote, which will take place June 10.
What about devices?
Google may offer a glimpse of some hardware coming in the future but mostly it will be about software. Google announced its first Pixel Fold at I/O last year but this year, we don’t expect much. The company has also been keeping quiet about any new augmented reality tech it’s working on.
How to watch it?
Tune in on May 14 at 10.30 pm IST. You can watch it on Google’s I/O website or on Google’s YouTube channel.
