Google IO 2019: What We Know So Far

Google IO will take place next week, and in this event, the public expects that the company will reveal some more news and confirm rumors that have been circulating for some time. The IO has always been where Google shows its latest software, but this year, we might see some updates on the hardware department too, given what we have heard so far.

As with previous events, this year’s IO will happen at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on the 7^th of May. A keynote, probably from Sundar Pichai - the company’s CEO, will start the event.

And here are what many people expect to see at the event. It is believed that Google will take advantage of this IO to announce about the Google Pixel 3a, which is rumored to be a more affordable yet leaner variant of the Google Pixel 3 released last year. Another big piece of news is a detailed preview of the Android Q, the company’s next operating system for mobile devices, after a handful of beta versions have been introduced.

However, an event like this might have more to expect, and even big surprises. So here are some other rumors about this year IO.

Google IO Date And Time

The Google IO will last for three days, from the 7^th to the 9^th of May, at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, quite close to its headquarters. At 10 A.M, the event starts with the CEO’s keynote and everything else will follow in the form of smaller sessions showing and demonstrating.

A large number of people are interested in what Google has to show in this event, but not everyone can be there so that the company will live stream parts of the IO on its YouTube channel and website.

Google Pixel 3a

What the public want to see the most is arguably the Google pixel 3a, a cheaper version of the last year’s Google Pixel 3.

This is what Apple and Samsung have done with their iPhone XR and Samsung S10e. The more affordable version might have almost all the key specs of the flagship one. If this turns out to be accurate, users may have the software and the camera. The Pixel 3 has always been on top of best smartphone list, explaining why this cheaper version is hot.

Google’s flagship smartphones have other little-known specs that might accompany this upcoming phone too, at a more affordable price of course. If the company introduces any upgrade for its operating system, the Android, users of the forthcoming phones can be the first to get it. This is actually a great benefit that only users of Gooogle's hardware can have, given that a lot of other phones have not yet got the Android 9 Pie.

Android Q

After the Google Pixel 3a, the second hot subject is Android Q, the upcoming version of its mobile operating system, which has been in beta for more than a month. Even if there is an announcement about the OS, the earliest time we can expect to get our hands on it is the later haft of this year, syncing with the launch of Google Pixel 4. Google has always timed the release of hardware and software this way, so this prediction is credible. However, this year IO might fill us with more information on the OS if not announcing it officially.

We have heard about something like a Dark Mode so that we can finally have that white-text-on-dark-fields look, as well as facial, unlock like the way Apple did with it Face ID. And this year IO might be an excellent time for Google to confirm them.

As foldable phones are what enthusiasts care a lot about, the new generation of Android may have some features catering for this latest breakthrough in smartphone technology. Developers may get their fair share of the updates with tools designed just for them.

Nest Hub Max

Google has unintentionally revealed another version of its Google Home Hub introduced this year. That new device is believed to be called Nest Hub Max.

The Home Hub’s display measures 7 inches, and this upcoming version may have a boost in size, reaching 10 inches, which makes looking at it more pleasant. There might also be stereo speakers accompanying the device.

More importantly, this version may feature Nest Cam, a kind of security camera, which the Home Hub lacks due to cost reduction. This might be the evidence of Google focusing more on making a competent device for home entertainment and assistance.

Speech Substitution

Google IO has released the list of events for this year, and there is Project Euphoria, which the company explains as "Google technologies to give people with speech impairments their voice back." This much information is far less than enough for us to know how the company intends to do that. There are speculations that this might refer to a feature or an app for Android.

However, please note that this year’s IO might just be the introduction event and there is nothing that guarantees we will see it or have a chance to experience it any time soon.

Other Stuff At Google IO 2019?

Google has always considered IO as the best time to make its new ideas known to the public, but whether these inventions can make it to reality is another question. Last year, it introduced Google Lens, the AR overlays that situated on the upper half of the screen.

Google has not yet commented on when this feature comes to reality, thus leaving us waiting for some more time. However, this year might be the time for it to debut.

The company might introduce new features for a wide range of its operating software and operating system.

Another long-anticipated update is about Google Stadia, which help gamers stream games from more competent servers. We heard about it in GDC a few months ago so do not your hopes up just yet as the company might mention it to remind us that the device will be out later this year.