Google I/O 2024: What to expect & how to watch it

Google will host its annual developers conference on May 14. Here’s everything it might announce at the software-focused event.

Google revealed the date for 2024’s Google I/O, where the company is expected to announce a slew of new products and features. While the company has kept most announcements under wraps, we will almost certainly get the first glimpse of the Android 15 OS at this event.

Since it’s a developer’s conference, similar to Apple’s WWDC, we expect the company to share updates on WearOS, Google TV, and Gemini AI. We may see Google announcing a new AI-powered digital assistant called Pixie for its Pixel devices.

When is Google I/O?

Google’s annual developer conference, or Google I/O, is a two-day event starting May 14 and 15 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The opening day keynote will begin at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 5 PM GMT on May 14.

How to watch Google I/O

Google I/O 2024 will be live-streamed via Google’s official YouTube channel and on the Google I/O website.

In case you plan to watch the event, ensure that you set aside a reasonable amount of time. Otherwise, you can follow the latest updates and announcements on Google’s X page.

Everything we expect at Google I/O

Google is expected to announce a slew of products and updates under various categories, including Accessibility, AI / Machine Learning, Android, Angular, AR/VR, Chrome OS, Cloud, Design, Firebase, Flutter, Go, Google Play, Location/Maps, Smart Home, Wear OS, and Web. However, below is the list of the most important consumer-focused products that may debut at this event.

Google

• Google Pixel 8a: The Pixel 8a is the entry-level Pixel smartphone that will start retailing from May 14.
• Android 15: The next version of OS to power Android devices worldwide is showcased at Google I/O. This year, we’ll have a sneak peek at Android 15.
• Android XR: Google has long been rumored to work closely with Samsung to build a new XR headset. We expect that some announcements around this will be made this year. 
• Wear OS 5: Google has scheduled an event called “Building for the future of Wear OS 5,” which suggests a new wearables operating system will be announced.
• Everything AI: The Google I/O 2024 will focus on AI like previous iterations. We can expect updates on Gemini, Google Assistant, and other AI-powered apps.

Google Pixel 8a

Google

In a surprising move, Google announced the Pixel 8 a week ahead of the Google I/O, though it will start retailing on May 14. As rumored, the phone comes in a slightly rounded design and new colorways, and is powered by a flagship Tensor G3 SoC.

The Pixel 8a’s price starts at $499 for the 128 GB version. For the first time, Google has also added a 256GB storage version on an A-series phone, and it has been priced at $549.

It has a 4,492 mAh battery and retains the exact camera specifications from last year’s Pixel 7a.

Android 15

Android

Google generally gives a sneak peek of the upcoming Android OS at Google I/O. The same is expected this year, and we might get the first official glimpse of Android 15 – internally codenamed Vanilla Ice Cream – before it is rolled out to the users at the end of the year.

Google has already begun testing Android 15 through two developer previews and a beta release. This allows the company to test various features or APIs for stability and identify and remove bugs.

Early previews suggest that Android 15 might be an iterative update over Android 14 and could look similar to its predecessor. However, we can expect updated functionality and new features.

You can expect features like Satellite connectivity support, partial screen sharing, new camera control options, Private Space, improvement in multitasking, and more.

However, only features ready and tested will make it to Android 15, with others slated to arrive later in the year in further updates in a broader consumer rollout. We just have to wait for Google to unveil Android 15 in full at a keynote usually held towards the end of the year.

Android XR

At Google I/O 2024, the company is expected to announce its XR platform, and Samsung’s rumored XR headset could be the first device to be powered by this platform.

Reports claim that Google had approached Meta to switch to its Android XR platform for its standalone headsets; however, Meta seemingly rejected the offer.

As of now, we do not have specifics for Android XR and do not know what to expect. We hope the platform gets announced this year, as the Samsung headset has already been delayed significantly.

Wear OS 5

Mobvoi

Google is also expected to announce a new operating system for wearable smartwatches. This could be announced at the “Building for the future of Wear OS” keynote. We do not have any leaks or rumors hinting at the expected features of Wear OS 5. All we know is that Samsung is already working on a Wear OS 5 build for its Galaxy Watch 6.

Besides Samsung, Mobvoi also appears to have a smartwatch ready to launch with Wear OS 5. The company has already started teasing the watch. We expect Wear OS 5 to have a fair share of AI-powered features to improve battery life and track vital data.

Everything AI

Google

This year’s I/O was expected to be focused on software and AI. However, OpenAI has raised the bar with the introduction of ChatGPT-4o. This new model shows massive improvements over its predecessor and can analyze images, video, and speech.

Now that the ball is in Google’s court, it will be interesting to see what features are added to Gemini. It is rumored that Google may decide to replace Google Assistant with Gemini. Some rumors hint that Google might introduce a Pixel-exclusive digital assistant called Pixie. This assistant may debut with the upcoming Pixel 9 series.

Google is expected to introduce new features and updates for Gemini and Google’s suite of products, including Search, Maps, Drive, and more.

Google will reveal “new ways to build immersive 3D maps” and how to make “next-gen AI apps with Gemini models.” Most of these announcements will aimed at developers; however, as an end user, we will get a glimpse of what to expect in the future.

Cars, TV & more

Google is expected to make announcements around Android Auto in the session named “Android for Cars: new in-car experiences.” Similarly, the updates and road map for Google TV and Android TV OS will be shared in a session named “New user experience enhancements in Google TV and the latest additions to the next Android TV OS platform.”