launches you can expect on May 11th

On May 11, Google will introduce us to new products. From the Pixel 6a to the Pixel Watch, we cover all the news we expect at Google I/O.

Google I/O 2022

Google typically hosts two events per year: Google I/O in will be in the spring and a second event will follow in the fall. On I/O, the company primarily focuses on new software, such as improvements to its services and information about the new version of Android. The event later this year will mainly focus on Pixel phones and sometimes Google will also show smart home devices.

Nevertheless, Google CEO Sundar Pichai already informed shareholders that Google is also putting new hardware in the spotlight at Google I/O 2022. Many Google products have been leaked in recent weeks and months: we list them here. For some it is almost a certainty that we see them on I/O and about others there is more ambiguity.

Almost a certainty

Pixel Watch and Wear OS 3.1

There is already so much about the Pixel Watch that a May 11 launch is almost certain. Googles is set to release its first-ever watch after a previous smartwatch project was scrapped. The Pixel Watch was first leaked in renders and then, according to a leak, it was left in a restaurant.

The Pixel Watch comes in one size and it comes in a round design with strongly rounded edges. The design is very minimalistic and you can say that Google ignores the look of a classic watch. We expect that Google will also immediately announce a new version of Wear OS, version 3.1. This time, the software will be integrated with the Fitbit app.

Pixel 6a

The Pixel Watch will of course receive a good deal of attention on I/O, but the Pixel 6a is also something to look forward to. It is a cheaper version of the Pixel 6 that takes many of the design cues and also comes with a Tensor chipset. You can discover the renders of the device here. Google does opt for cheaper camera hardware that looks more like the Pixel 5a. We are therefore curious whether Google can still take the camera to a higher level with its Tensor chip.

Android 13

The first beta version of Android 13 was already announced in April, but Google will probably present the second beta version during I/O. It was also very striking that the first test version contained quite few important functions and so it seems that Google is keeping the best novelties for the stage.

Android 13 makes the Material You themes of phones compatible with dynamic colors. This means that the icons color with the background on your home screen. In addition, Google is introducing stricter rules for notifications in Android and a mysterious desktop mode is also being worked on.

It’s Google, you never know

Pixel Buds Pro

This rumor is still relatively fresh off the press. Google has plans to launch a new pair of wireless earbuds aimed at the premium segment. Very little is known about the Pixel Buds Pro other than coming in four colors: Real Red, Carbon, Limoncello and Fog.

It is also likely that Google will use active noise canceling for the first time, that is, actively suppressing disturbing background noise. It is a functionality that is found in many wireless earphones, but it does not work on the Pixel Buds 2 or the Pixel Buds A, for example. Whether Google uses I/O to introduce its Pro earphones is uncertain for the time being. For now, the arrival of the Pixel Buds Pro has only been confirmed by one source.

Nest Hub with detachable screen

In March it was announced that Google wants to go a completely different way with the next generation of its Nest Hub. The device will have a detachable touchscreen so that you can use it as a kind of tablet. Thanks to its dock, the new Nest Hub can charge and it also includes speakers. Since the rumors of March, references to a Nest Hub with detachable screen have also appeared in the code of Android 13. Only it is very doubtful whether we will see this smart screen on May 11th. Google usually keeps launches of smart home devices for the fall.

Pixel Notepad

At first it was called the ‘Pixel Fold’, but later it became known that Google registered the name ‘Pixel Notepad’. the company plans to launch the first Pixel foldable phone. The phone will be similar in design to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, so it will have a large screen on the inside and a smaller panel on the outside when you fold it up.

The Pixel Notepad is a remarkable story, because the first information about the product came out in early 2021 and the phone was due to appear that same year. Then it became known that the launch was postponed and for a while it seemed that the project has been scrapped. The suggested retail price of the phone would be too high, so Google expected to sell too few copies. The company then went back to the drawing board and was able to significantly reduce the asking price. It is rumored that Google will show it on stage at the end of 2022 and an I/O launch is therefore very unlikely. This does not alter the fact that Google can tease the product.

Google Wallet

We’ve already covered a lot of hardware, and it’s often harder to predict upcoming software features that Google will roll out in services like Maps, Photos, or Gmail. However, more has already been leaked about a comeback of Google Wallet.

This service guided the company to the exit in 2018, to then propose Google Pay. Now it looks like Wallet is returning as a service where all your debit, credit, loyalty and digital tickets come together. Pay, on the other hand, should primarily serve as a payment solution. Google may provide more clarity on I/O, but we’re guessing for now.

Follow Google I/O

The above products and a lot of surprises are waiting for us on May 11th. On the first day of the two-day Google I/O event, Google will make the most important announcements.

The keynote will take place on May 11 at 7:00 PM our time. There is no YouTube link to the livestream for the time being, but it is certain that you will be able to follow the event via the I/O website. Of course you can immediately read about all announced products on Androidworld.nl. Which upcoming product are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.

Want to stay up to date with the latest news about Google? Then download our Android app and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeTelegram and Twitter†