Google’s biggest event of the year, the annual I/O developer conference, is just around the corner. This year, we expect at least two smartphone announcements – the Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold – alongside the official introduction of Android 14, as well as details on the Pixel Tablet and possibly some Pixel 8 series information. The event is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 10, at 10 AM PT time (5 PM UTC) and will be live-streamed on YouTube. While there have been numerous leaks surrounding the new devices, there is still anticipation for surprise announcements.
At the core of the Google I/O conference is the next iteration of Android, Android 14. The update is expected to focus on refinement and improved security, with optimized resource management, improved support for tablets and foldable devices, more accessibility features, and personalization options building on the Material You design. Additionally, Android 14 will introduce new security features, such as blocking the installation of older Android apps developed prior to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, system-level security enhancements, and improved user authentication and password management. Google will share more of Android 14’s user-focused features on stage, and the consumer-ready version is expected to arrive around August/September.
Google’s first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, is expected to be announced at the conference. Rumours suggest a 7.6-inch OLED inner screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, two 12MP back cameras and two 8MP front-facing cameras, and a cover display of 5.8 inches. The phone is reportedly launching in the US on June 27, priced at $1,799.
The Pixel 7a is expected to be a smaller version of the standard Pixel 7 with a 6.1-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone is expected to have the Tensor G2 chipset, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage, with a dual camera system on the back, a 64MP main cam, and a 13MP ultrawide module. The Pixel 7a is expected to launch at $499 in the US and will be available from May 11 in India.
The Pixel Tablet is expected to feature an 11-inch LCD screen with a 1600 x 2560px resolution, a premium design, the Tensor G2 chipset, and support for stylus input and 18W wireless charging. The tablet will also launch with a Charging Speaker Dock, which will turn the slate into a smart speaker/Nest Hub device.
Finally, there is a possibility of first-hand information and teasers for the next-gen Pixel phones – the Pixel 8 series, as well as the Pixel Watch 2, and the new Pixel Buds.
