Google I/O 2022 isn’t over yet, but the keynote presentation took place today and this is where many of the most noteworthy announcements are often made. This year’s keynote was no different with various Googlers taking to the stage and making some very interesting announcements. This was not just in terms of the software, but the hardware as well, with multiple Pixel-branded products now confirmed to be coming.
Google I/O has always been one of those events within the tech space that’s worth paying attention to. Although it is often viewed as a developer-focused event, it is also where the company makes clear many of the advancements and technologies that it is most comfortable sharing with the general public. In other words, many of the software improvements that are most likely next to become available to consumers on the products that they buy.
This year’s Google I/O event kicked off with the familiar keynote presentation which is now available to watch back on YouTube. The presentation ran for a little under two hours and covered many topics related to Android, including Android 13 itself, improvements to how Android devices will connect to other smart home products, and improvements coming to Wear OS as well. However, many of the really interesting and biggest announcements were all related to hardware.
Google Pixel 6a Is Here, Almost
One of the only real and proper hardware announcements to emerge from the event was the Google Pixel 6a. This is the latest affordable smartphone to come from the house of Google and one that looks to improve on the experience offered with last year’s Pixel 5a. Based on initial impressions, it looks like Google has done just that, with the new Pixel 6a basically a smaller and cheaper version of the standard Pixel 6 smartphone. For example, buyers will get a device that looks pretty much the same as the standard Pixel 6. They will also get a device that’s powered by the same Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and even the more expensive Pixel 6 Pro. Hardware aside, the Pixel 6a is also arriving with many of the same software improvements and tricks, including the popular Magic Eraser feature.
In terms of the price, the new Pixel 6a costs starts at $449 and can be purchased in three colors. Pre-orders are due to start on July 21 with a view to in-store sales opening up on July 28. For those wondering what the Pixel 6a is missing, well, buyers will get a smaller display along with a lower refresh rate. There are also some compromises in the camera, battery, and charging departments, although that’s to be expected with a phone as cheap as this one.
The Pixel Watch Is Real
Towards the end of the event, Google took a moment to tease some of the hardware-related announcements that consumers can expect to come later in the year. One of which was the forever-rumored Pixel Watch. Not only did Google confirm the watch is coming, and the name, but also provided a few teaser images of the wearable. Google also took the opportunity to even confirm some of the features that will be on offer with its new smartwatch.
The feature Google was most interested in advertising upfront was the Fitbit integration. This will mean that buyers of the Pixel Watch can expect to get premium health and fitness tools, including heart and sleep tracking. Fitbit aside, the watch will also take advantage of Google Assistant, allowing wearers to pay for goods, control smart home devices, and much more using their smartwatch. Google didn’t provide any firm details on the price of the Pixel Watch, but it will be arriving later this year, along with Google’s other new 2022 phones.
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro Coming Soon
Although the main hardware announcement at the event was the Pixel 6a, Google used the keynote to tease the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. It should come as no surprise that Google will launch an updated Pixel phone this year, as it does every year. Due to arrive in the fall, along with the Pixel Watch, Google provided teaser images of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (names confirmed) during I/O 2022.
As to be expected with a teaser announcement, many of the details on what to expect with the Pixel 7 lineup were not revealed. However, it was confirmed that there will be a change in the look and feel of the phones, thanks to the camera bar utilizing an aluminum design that appears to more naturally blend with the rest of the device. For reference, there will also be a change to the camera placement and arrangement, and the two Pixel 7 phones will also come powered by the company’s second-generation Tensor chip.
A Pro Version Of The Pixel Buds
Along with the Pixel 6 Pro, the new Pixel Buds Pro were the only other proper hardware announcement to come from the event. These are a follow up to the company’s existing set of Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds and, as the name suggests, look to offer more of a Pro experience. In fact, they can somewhat be compared to the difference between Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro models. For example, one of the main features of the Pixel Buds Pro is the addition of active noise cancelation, making it possible to listen without having to worry about distractions. They’ll also support spatial audio to offer a more immersive listening experience in general.
Google has also looked to improve comfort as the new Pixel Buds Pro feature a slightly tweaked design that includes Silent Seal, which Google says will help to ensure that they better adapt to the shape of the wearer’s ears. In terms of the price, the Pixel Buds Pro will cost $199 and are due to hit store shelves in July, along with the Pixel 6a.
A New Pixel Tablet Is In The Works
Moving further into the future, or the past depending on your viewpoint, Google also confirmed it is working on a new Android tablet, a Pixel Tablet. For some, this may not come as a major surprise considering the more recent versions of Android have arrived with their own focus on tablets and foldables. Still, considering how long Google has been out of the Android tablet hardware game, it is an interesting announcement in itself.
Unfortunately, Google was less keen on providing firm information on its next Android tablet and especially compared to the other announcement made at the event. All that is generally known is that it will be the Pixel Tablet, it will be powered by a Tensor chip, and will apparently be a premium device. It is also expected to launch sometime in 2023.
Google AR Glasses Come Into View
Closing out the event, Google also took a moment to tease the possible launch of a new set of AR Glasses. Moving well beyond the use case set out for Google Glass, the new smart glasses were demonstrated as more of a communication tool that makes it possible for people to easily bridge language barriers. Essentially, as someone speaks, the wearer is presented with subtitles of what the person is saying, in real time.
Compared to all of the other products showcased at this year’s Google I/O event, this was the one that was the last explained or teased. Outside of the demonstration of its translation abilities, and glimpses of the design, next to no further information was provided. It was an impressive demonstration nonetheless, and arguably could be one of the most interesting products showcased during Google I/O 2022.
Source: Google/YouTube