As Google's I/O conference kicks off tomorrow evening, avid tech fans can certainly expect some exciting news from the company's biggest event of the year.
The event, held in Mountain View, California, will be live-streamed here from 18:00 BST (10:00 PST) tomorrow.
And, following the limited success of Apple's recent iPad launch, expectations will be high for the tech giant to deliver something impressive.
With Google's Pixel 8A officially shipping today, there is a chance we might get a sneak peek of the hotly anticipated Pixel 9 or even a new foldable phone.
But while there might be some updates on Google's hardware, you can expect AI to be the biggest topic of the day.
Google's annual I/O conference kicks off at 18:00 BST (10:00 PST) this evening, tech fans will be able to follow along with all the announcements at Google's live stream
What to expect from Google's I/O event
AI
- Artificial Intelligence is likely to be the centre point of this year's conference.
- Keep an eye out for new AI features in Android and a potential new AI assistant.
Hardware
- New phones and tablets are unlikely to be pivotal this year.
- The Pixel 8A launches on the same day as the conference.
- There could be sneak peeks of the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Fold Pro.
Software
- With Android 15 already in Beta Google will likely reveal some new features.
- Expect privacy and security to be key features of new software.
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AI
With every tech company talking up their latest AI features, Google is very unlikely to be the exception to the trend.
Google's CEO Sundar Prichai, speaking at the keynote talk, is widely expected to reveal some updates to Google's AI chatbots or features.
But with OpenAI set to reveal search features for ChatGPT today, Google may have a tough act to follow.
We might see an announcement on the future development of Gemini, Google's controversial chatbot.
The AI tool was paused in February apparently refused to generate white historical figures in response to certain prompts.
Google may also use the conference as an opportunity to launch a more personalised version of its AI as a smartphone assistant.
This digital assistant, rumoured to be called 'Pixie', would be powered by Gemini and could give Android phones far more AI capabilities.
For example, users might be able to take pictures of objects to learn more about them or even get directions to shops that sell them.
Currently, Gemini isn't ready to take over from Google Assistant but I/O might reveal more about the chatbot's future.
It has also been reported that Google is in talks to provide Gemini to power future Apple products.
However, we may have to wait until Apple'sWorldwide Developers Conference in June to learn more about this.
The event is likely to be dominated by announcements on the future of Google's AI projects. The conference could see some big updates to Gemini, Google's flagship AI product
Google's CEO Sundar Pichai (pictured) is expected to reveal new AI features and may even announce a new AI assistant for Android phones
Google Pixel
There's speculation that Google could tease a first glimpse of the new Pixel 9, which has recently been leaked.
According to designs leaked to 91Mobilesthe Pixel 9 may offer a flatter design with a thick rear camera.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped 'island' rather than stretching across the whole phone like on last year's Pixel 8.
There's also the possibility of a potential Pixel 9 Pro XL featuring a larger display and more substantial battery.
Other hardware announcements could include a new addition to Google's line of folding devices.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped 'island' rather than stretching across the whole phone like on last year's Pixel 8 (pictured)
At I/O last year, the company revealed the Pixel Fold and could follow suit this year with a new update.
It has been rumoured that a new folding device could be tied in with the existing Pixel range, potentially making it the 'Pixel 9 Pro Fold' rather than the Pixel Fold 2.
The I/O event coincides with the official launch of the new Google Pixel 8A, which comes in at £499 (US price$499).
The 8A features the same processors as the Pixel 8 and includes a number of new AI tools such as Best Take and the Magic Editor.
While it has been available for preorder for some time, Google might take the opportunity to hype up the new product.
The Google Pixel Fold 8A (pictured) is scheduled to officially launch on the first day of the conference, so expect Google to mention its new affordable smartphone
There may also be hints at a successor to the Google Pixel Fold (pictured) with a sneak peek of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Software
Following on from AI, Google's biggest announcements are expected to involve updates to the Android operating system.
Android 15, the latest update to the software, is currently available in beta but expect to see more features revealed tomorrow.
The beta software already shows new features that focus on productivity, security, and privacy.
For example, there are now features for end-to-end encryption for better security within apps, partial screen sharing options, and more in-app camera controls.
The new update also boasts increased support for satellite connectivity, including a rumoured satellite messaging capability.
Google is also expected to reveal its new smartwatch software, Wear OS 5.
The company has stayed fairly quiet about the software since announcing a partnership with Samsung to develop wearables in 2022.
Wear OS 5 could make its first appearance on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, but tech fans may have to wait forSamsung's Unpacked event to learn more.
