The Google I/O 2022 keynote is done. Google recorded the event in front of a small audience of developers and live-streamed globally. The two-hour event was jam-packed with AI, Android, and the new Pixel hardware announcements.

What is Google I/O?

Google I/O is an annual developer event held by Google held annually in San Francisco, California. The first Google I/O conference took place in 2008.

 

“I/O” simply stands for Input/Output and the slogan “Innovation in the Open”.

 

The conference’s format is similar to Google Developer Day. The event showcases in-depth technical sessions focused on building web, mobile, and enterprise applications with Google and open sources such as android, chrome, APIs, app engine, etc.

 

Anyone who is interested in obtaining important information regarding product releases, hardware and software advances, and overall technological updates can attend.

 

What does Google I/O focus on?

The bulk of the Google I/O schedule is dedicated to technical sessions, where attendees gather knowledge about developing applications for all of Google’s platforms, most notably Android, Chrome and YouTube. The conference also gives hands-on labs where attendees can test what they’ve learned and work alongside experts. Along with that, there is a showcase for applications that were developed on Google platforms.

 

Although the conference sessions and labs target the developer audience, the Google I/O keynote often has a broader appeal. The company has used the event in the past to announce significant new products and services, including the Google Music streaming service and new versions of the Android operating system.

 

How was Google I/O 2022 different?

Google’s I/O is much smaller now – in large part due to the viral pandemic. The conference has been virtual-only for the last three years.

 

Google I/O 2022 101

Google I/O 2022 was a two-day event held on the 11th and 12th of May. This year the program was a little different. All of the keynotes, product announcements, and learning lab content were conducted on day one, while on day two, all technical sessions were available on demand. The introductory keynote started at 10:00 PDT and ended two hours later.

 

While the I/O keynote was the most exciting part of the two-day conference for consumers, Google hosts other “sessions” for developers on day two. These are virtual deep dives into the developments of Google’s upcoming software and platform updates. They aid developers in better preparing their apps for incoming changes.

 

Major Announcements at Google I/O 2022

Google has increased its take on artificial intelligence and machine learning development. Here are some of the new technologies and tools it announced at its developer conference I/O 2022.

 

One of Google’s main focus areas is making its products, especially those involving communication, more “nuanced and natural”. This includes the development and deployment of new language processing models.

 

Take a look at the latest stuff the company has announced.

 

Android 13

Google shared new information on the latest Android 13 along with the release of the second beta of the OS. Google introduced Material You last year and has now announced a new feature that will allow users to customize the phone’s aesthetic and feel with pre-made colour variants. After choosing a colour scheme, the user will see colour variants applied across the whole operating system to accentuate their chosen wallpaper and style.

 

 

The new Android 13 will also extend the colour theming of app icons beyond the essential Google apps. The feature, starting with Pixel devices, will allow users to have “Themed icons”, which will make all supported apps match the phone’s colours t give a profound and put-together aesthetic. Google is also inventing a new media control that tailors its look based on the genre of music that you are listening to or based on the album’s artwork.

 

Lens Multisearch

Google also announced new developments to its Lens Multisearch tool, which will enable users to conduct a search with just an image and some words.

 

“In the Google app, you can search with images and text at the same time – similar to how you might point at something and ask a friend about it,” the company said.

 

Users will also be able to take a picture or screenshot and add “near me” to see options for local restaurants or retailers that have apparel, home goods, and food, among other things.

 

With an advancement called “scene exploration”, users will be able to use Multisearch to pan their camera and instantly glean insights about multiple objects in the broader scene.

 

Pixel 6a

Although the big focus of I/O 2022 is usually software and developer news, the company couldn’t end the keynote without announcing some hardware too. The consumers finally get a Pixel 6a, which means all that Pixel 6 functions, but in a smaller, more affordable device. The new Pixel 6a will be available to pre-order from the 21st of July and available to buy from the 28th of July.

 

Immersive Google Maps

Google has designed a more immersive way to use its Maps app. Using computer vision and AI, the company has fused together billions of Street View and aerial images to fashion a rich, digital model of the world. With the new immersive view, users can experience what a neighbourhood, landmark, restaurant or popular venue is like in real-life.

 

 

Pixel Watch

Google has now officially unveiled the Pixel Watch, the company’s first-ever smartwatch. The announcement took place after years of speculation regarding the Google-branded watch. There have been quite a lot of recent leaks also hinting at the device’s design, specs and features. Google has tentatively given a timeline on which the smartwatch will go on sale; in fall 2022. However, it’s not sure yet how much it will cost.

 

Pixel 7

Google gave another surprise at its I/O conference by providing a reveal of the previously-rumoured Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones. They had confirmed that the phones are headed to a release date around autumn and will run Android 13. More information has not been released yet. The chances are that we will have to wait until later in the year to learn all about the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

 

Tensor 2

Google confirmed that the Pixel 7 phones would run on its next version of Tensor, meaning they’ll work on its own chipset again. Since Tensor is the main centre of so many of the Pixel line’s excellent photography chops and more, this will be a great incentive to Google’s users or anyone looking to upgrade to a new Pixel.

 

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google has officially declared the release of its Pixel Buds Pro true wireless in-ears. They were popularly rumoured before their unveiling atGoogle I/O. The Pixel Buds Pro is equipped with active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and up to 11 hours of playback time and will be available in four colours: Coral, lemongrass, fog (light blue), and charcoal.

 

Pixel tablet

During its annual developer conference, I/O 2022, Google gave a sneak peek at a project it’s working on for 2023: An Pixel-branded, Tensor-powered Android tablet.

 

The Google hardware chief Rick Osterloh said during the show, “Now, normally, we wouldn’t announce a new product a year before it’s ready. But there’s so much amazing energy around tablets in the developer community that we wanted to bring you all into the loop.”

 

The pricing hasn’t been announced, but Google reported it as a “premium-style” tablet releasing in 2023. It, therefore, may be priced similar to an iPad than the standard Android tablet.

 

AR glasses

At the end of its keynote, Google released a pair of AR glasses that could do realtime translation. There were no other details, including whether this will be a device people could buy.

 

 

Google Wallet

At long last, Google has announced the return of Google Wallet, a service that will latch onto current Google Pay functions and be the home for all your cards – including your ID.

 

Google’s I/O presentation was packed with more miniature AI news, and it has a portion of its keynote dedicated to security and privacy announcements. In the final segment, Google went over its plan for Android 13, and the major updates to Google’s mobile OS are currently in public beta testing, with a general release expected later this year.

 

Conclusion

This year’s Google I/O conference is sure to significantly revolutionize the software development industry, which will lead to enhanced innovation and creativity in the field.