It’s that time of year again. Google’s annual I/O key output it’s on us. This event will likely be full of updates and announcements. We’ll cover all the news as it happens, and you can stream the full event below. The keynote kicks off on May 14th at 1:00 PM ET and the streams are as follows Available via YouTube and the company’s central page.
In terms of what to expect, the rumor mill worked overtime. There are many reports that the event will mainly focus on the Android 15 mobile operating system, which seems like a given since I/O is primarily an event for developers and the beta version already outside.
So let’s talk about the Android 15 beta and what to expect from the full release. The beta version includes an updated Privacy Sandbox feature, partial screen sharing to record a specific app or window instead of the entire screen, and system-level app archiving to free up space. There’s also improved satellite connectivity, additional in-app camera controls and a new power efficiency mode.
Despite the beta version already available, it’s highly likely that Google will drop some surprise Android 15 announcements. The company has confirmed that satellite messaging is coming to Android, so perhaps it will be part of the event. Rumors also indicate this Android 15 boasts a redesigned status bar and an easier way to monitor battery health.
Android 15 won’t be the only thing Google will discuss during the event. There’s a little acronym you’ve heard of called AI, and the company has made it all work. It’s a good bet that Google will spend plenty of time announcing updates to its Gemini AI, which could eventually replace Assistant entirely.
Google was reported to be working on it in December The AI assistant is called Pixie As an exclusive feature for Pixel devices. The branding is certainly spot on. We may hear more about it as it could debut on the Pixel 9 later this year.
Google’s most popular products could also get AI-focused redesigns, including Search, Chrome, G Suite, and Maps. We can get an update on what the company has planned about third-party cookies and maybe throw some AI into the problem.
What can not be expected? Don’t get your hopes up for the Pixel 9 or the updated Pixel Fold for this event, as the I/O is more for software than hardware. We’ll likely have details on those releases in the fall. But rules were made to be broken. Last year we were one Pixel Fold announcement at I/O, so perhaps the line between hardware and software is blurring. We will soon find out.
