Google I/O 2019 is upon us! If years past are any indication, the yearly developer event in Mountain View, California, is about to deliver us the cutting-edge in Android, Google Assistant, Google Maps, AR projects, YouTube, and lots, plenty extra. This yr is particularly great, although we’re looking forward to some new tendencies from the hardware facet of factors too…
Hardware at Google I/O 2019: Pixel & Nest Hub
While Google I/O changed into an annual hardware exhibit for decades, that way of life disappeared after a slew of Android Wear watches — you may don’t forget them because of the LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live, and the Moto 360 — were introduced at Google I/O 2014.
Since then, Google I/O has been generally a software display — even though attendees had long passed home with a few hardware in multiple years because… a Nexus nine in 2015, and a Google Home Mini in 2018.
This yr, it looks like hardware is making a massive comeback, inside the shape of what appears to be a second #MadebyGoogle occasion of sorts. We’re anticipating a new Pixel and a brand new Nest Hub Max.
Google Pixel 3a
The big-name of the Google I/O 2019 hardware display will definitely be the Google Pixel 3a, a greater low-cost, toned-down, and lesser-specced version of the final 12 months’ Google Pixel 3. There are few surprises with this device left.
We had the inside track on the whole thing to recognize about the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL nearly two months ago (and our Damien rounded up all those information in a video, too). Google itself has even — by chance — confirmed their life, and we’ve even seen them display up on the shelf at Best Buy.
Look, I don’t understand how else to mention it — there aren’t any surprises left for the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. A Google Pixel 3a packaging leak has corroborated the third shade’s ‘Purple-ish’ name, screen length, guidelines at pricing, and even accessories in the field. And that’s pretty a great deal par for the path with Google phone launches over the past couple of years.
As stated, we gave you the deets at the Pixel 3a and 3a XL considerably remaining month. The smaller device could have a 5.6-inch OLED show at 2220×1080, a Snapdragon 670, 4GB of RAM, an eight-megapixel wide-attitude front shooter, and a 12-megapixel rear shooter. There’s also a three,000mAh battery, Active Edge squeezable sides, the Titan M safety chip, eSIM, and 18W rapid charging thru USB-C.
One leak even hinted at pricing for the Pixel 3a, intending to start at $399 supposedly. Meanwhile, the bigger Pixel 3a XL will value $479, in step with the person who shared the retail field images. We pronounced that the Pixel three could come to T-Mobile, and AP said the 3a would too.
Nest Hub Max
The other hardware assertion we’re waiting for to pay attention approximately at Google I/O 2019 incest Hub Max’s tools. Interestingly, this story really originated all the manner lower back in February, when our Kyle mentioned the existence of a probable large version of the Google Home found inside the Fuchsia supply code. Then, Google managed to leak a “Nest Hub Max” product on its very own storefront. Whoops.
Kyle did a awesome process rounding up the whole thing we recognize about the Nest Hub Max. However, the thing is this: It’s a larger model of the Google Home Hub with a camera for Duo calls. And it has the Nest brand, obviously, which we’re no longer clear will be represented in the real product or no longer. Will this be a Nest product “right”? Or is it the first of many Google merchandise that virtually has “Nest” as a “feature”?
Specs? Here’s the brief list that our Kyle has deduced based totally on his assumption that the “Sherlock” prototype in Google’s Fuchsia OS supply code is certainly the Nest Hub Max:
- 10.1-inch LCD
- 1280×800 at 150ppi resolution
- Amlogic T931 SoC
- 2GB of RAM
- 12MP Sony IMX277 “Nest” camera
- Stereo audio system
Another thrilling tidbit that could tell what to expect alongside the traces of Nest at I/O 2019 is proof we surfaced within the Google Home app. A product is known as “Zion” is defined inside the app as a “border router” with a “integrated clever plug” that enables the “Google surroundings in a home” (a brand new Nest Connects?). There’s also “Castell,” which can be a Nest Detect. That could make sense if Google unbundles Nest Guard from the rest of the security mechanism to use Nest Hub Max as an alternative.
As a facet notice, we’ve completely suggested that Google is making plans to rebrand the standard Google Home Hub as Google Nest Hub. That’s the simplest exchange we’re aware of on that front.
Software at Google I/O 2019: Android Q, Assistant, touchless Android, more
Google I/O has continually, in most cases, been a show approximately software program —that which Google itself is constructing, and the way it could help third-birthday party builders construct reviews for its systems. That’s absolutely going to be simply as actual this 12 months as ever, and the centerpiece, for now, could be Android.
Android 10 Q
We already recognize plenty about Android 10 Q — Google announced it earlier this 12 months and has already launched its 2nd beta to the public. The first beta brought plenty of new functions like Device Theming; a Google Material Theme remodel for Wallpapers and the Files app, a machine-huge dark mode, an emergency shortcut inside the energy menu, and lots greater.
Android Q brings a renewed attention to privacy, giving users extra granular manage over how apps get permission to see their area, new runtime permissions allowing customers to govern app get admission to media, and apps must now use the Download machine file picker to give end-users extra manage. Additionally, new Sharing Shortcuts, a new settings panel, better assist for Android Foldables, and more.
Here’s the whole lot new in Android Q Beta 1 [Gallery]
Beta 2 and Android Studio 3.5 delivered a brand new foldable emulator, a new manner to multitask in Android Q known as Bubbles, new gestures which now swipe among apps similar to iOS, a extent settings shortcut and dad-up panel in a slider, a new battery icon, notification swipe actions alternatives, and plenty extra.
Here’s the whole thing new in Android Q Beta 2 [Gallery]
At Google I/O 2019, we’re looking ahead to that Google will formally release Beta 3 of Android 10 Q and could announce many of the consumer-going through capabilities that first partly surfaced (possibly by chance on Google’s part) in Beta 2. We’ll possibly see the newest model of Google’s navigation gestures extra strong and made legitimate, in addition to updates on “Bubbles,” dark mode, and more data on Q assist for foldable.
Other Android Q matters we might see at Google I/O 2019 include a ‘next-era UI framework’ for Android, the bringing of Android Q to Chrome OS, ‘Find My Accessories’ for Fast Pair, the capacity to customize the lock display screen & AOD clock, the guide for ‘deep presses’ similar to iOS’s 3-d Touch, a ‘Notification Assistant’ to assist manipulate your notifications, and plenty extra.
Google Assistant/Lens
Another factor that has been a centerpiece for Google I/O a previous couple of years is Google Assistant. Google tends to be higher at maintaining its Assistant trends underneath wraps. However, we understand a few positive and different matters we can make a few educated guesses on.
We located stable proof in advance this year that Google’s planning to show Assistant integration with Chrome for Android at I/O 2019. Our Kyle Bradshaw reviews:
A new Chromium code alternate listed as being “for inner overview” exhibits a demo of the Google Assistant the usage of context to suggest action and routinely appearing it in Chrome for Android.
Another issue we’re privy to is a revamp for Google Lens, which is largely Assistant. The lens is a number one exhibit for Google’s gadget mastering tasks, and it makes for masses of “oohs” and “aahs” any time Google brings it up. As with different device studying products, expect it to get degree time.
Perhaps the most thrilling ability assertion is. Assistant gambling has a greater shrewd and proactive role in Android Q. Both delivered importance in the sense that it might permeate every issue of the OS, however also moving far from its position within the forefront as a maintain-home-button-to-set off feature. Some rumors have advised it will be moving inside the course of Google Now in a few approaches.
Touchless Android?
One exciting improvement in the latest months has been that of touchless Chrome and Android. Our Kyle first exposed evidence of this in a Chromium commit which shed light on a formerly unknown model of Chrome made for “characteristic telephones” without contact monitors. More currently, we surfaced strong proof that this Chrome is surely strolling on a previously unknown model of Android.
The key element of these screenshots, however, is actually not a part of Chrome. In the pinnacle left nook of each screenshot, we will see Android 8.1 Oreo’s “Android System” notification inside the fame bar. This confirms that Chrome’s touchless model is being constructed for a variation of Android Oreo without a shadow of a doubt.
This one’s sincerely up within the air as to whether or not or no longer we’ll honestly see an announcement of some type at Google I/O 2019; however, if Google is hoping to get some 1/3-celebration app developers on board to build out a true competitor to KaiOS, then the developers’ convention will be the location to do this.
Chrome
Speaking of Chrome, Google’s primary attention inside the computer and pill-running gadget department often make appearances at Google I/O, and we count on this year may be no distinct.
Some random things we would see announced round Chrome and Chrome OS:
Chrome OS Camera app replace to carry Portrait mode, new layout, greater [Gallery]
Google to increase Advanced Protection program to Chrome w/ download safeguards [Gallery]
Initial evidence shows Google will bring Android Q to Chrome OS
Google to demo Assistant integration with Chrome for Android at I/O 2019
Project Euphonia
One exciting element we unearthed is something referred to as “Project Euphonia,” which could fall strongly beneath the category of “Google accessibility efforts that usually take the level at I/O.” This one is apparently aimed at giving people with speech impairment “their voice again.”
As our Kyle wrote:
Every yr at Google I/O, the company displays its modern-day technologies across the various elements of existence that Google has gotten involved in. These 12 months, it appears Google may be unveiling a new accessibility generation, “Project Euphonia,” that is aimed toward giving folks that are speech-impaired “their voice again.”
We don’t have any info on this. Still, we recognize one of the classes in Google I/O’s activities list is known as “Designing for Accessibility,” and is set to be hosted via accessibility suggest Elise Roy and Google scientist and Harvard professor Michael Brenner.
YouTube/Maps/Google Photos/and many others.
Google also tends to use the I/O stage to speak approximately the today’s traits for some of its tentpole purchaser-going through services and products, like YouTube, Google Maps, Google Photos, and extra. Unfortunately, we don’t sincerely have many clues as to what we assume in these classes yet!
Fuchsia?
Who knows! But Google’s only on-the-record statement on its miles that you don’t speak approximately it.
Stay tuned for more from Google I/O 2019!
This weekend, myself and the 9to5Google crew can be headed to Mountain View to cowl every single improvement we will undergo to find from the display, so make certain to live locked in right here — you’re not going to locate better insurance of Google I/O 2019 everywhere else.
We’ll be liveblogging and live streaming the morning festivities on May seventh, going hands-on with the brand new hardware, and of course, we’ll be on the floor the complete week going to developer classes and the entirety else to hold you. Within the loop! Oh, and we’ll be Alphabet Scoop-ing too.
