For the first time since 2019, Google will hold an in-person Google I/O developer conference at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View on May 10.
The company relies on I/O to demonstrate and preview some of its most important work, such as Android and Google Assistant, as well as the details developers need to put Google's resources to work in their own apps and products.
As it likes to do, Google released a "Save the date" puzzle for developers, and internet sleuths quickly solved it to reveal the May 10 date. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai followed up with a video on Twitter confirming the date, as did the Google Developers blog.
How to Watch Google I/O 2023
If you're interested in watching the event, Google's I/O website is where you'll need to go. You can register to attend the online event in advance, which will keep you informed about the schedule as the event nears. Google has also invited select developers and media to attend in person. In the past, Google has also posted important keynotes and announcements on its YouTube channel, so we'd expect the same this year if you prefer to watch on your own time.
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With just a day to go before the conference kicks off, Google has fully revealed the final schedule of affairs so developers can sign up for talks, sessions, and chats.
It's Pixel 7a Time
One possible hardware announcement at Google I/O 2023 is the Pixel 7a. We've heard rumblings from Android Authority that Google may switch to an every-other-year release cadence for its more affordable a-series phones, but that isn't supposed to start until 2024 which means the 7a is a likely lock-in at the 2023 event. Google announced the Pixel 6a at I/O 2022, so it would make sense for the next model to follow the same schedule.
Regarding the Pixel 7a itself, we believe the phone will carry over the price of the Pixel 6a, which launched at $450. Google kept the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro prices the same as the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro prices. It follows that the company might keep the same price point for the 7a. It's possible the phone won't actually go on sale until the summer, however. The 6a was announced at Google I/O in May 2022 and released in July. We'll keep our fingers crossed that it hits store shelves sooner than that.
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Computer renders of an alleged Pixel 7a have spread online. Unsurprisingly, it looks like the Pixel 7 with the extended camera bar dominating its rear facade. Another leak from WinFuture shows off the phone's design and all but confirms the shared design language between the Pixel 7a and other phones in the Pixel 7 line. According to noted phone tipster OnLeaks, the 7a will be 6.0 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches (HWD), similar to the Pixel 6a.
The phone is said to be powered by the Tensor G2 processor, which is the same chip found in the more expensive Pixel phones. In addition, a prominent rumor suggests the phone will feature a Samsung-designed 90Hz 1080p display, a nice upgrade over the 60Hz display of the Pixel 6a.
Chances of being there: High
Will the Pixel Fold Show Itself?
It's a near certainty that the Pixel Fold could serve as the main event for Google I/O. Samsung has a handle on the foldable space in the US market with its Galaxy Z Fold 4, so it would be appealing to have a significant competitor enter the game.
The Pixel Fold might be Google's worst-kept secret. Reports of the device have been floating around for the last few years, so plenty of potential information exists. Most leaks suggest Google will call the phone the Pixel Fold or the Pixel Notepad, but that could change. Google itself, however, put the leaks to rest on May 4, creating a store page for the Fold with videos showing off the phone's look. For more, read our full coverage of Google's surprise revelation.
Like other foldable phones, we're expecting a hefty price tag. The prevailing rumor suggests the Pixel Fold will go for $1,799, which matches the price of Samsung's high-end Galaxy Z Fold 4. CNBC, however, reported a lower $1,700 price tag for the Pixel Fold. Either way, we're confident it'll be somewhere in that range. Jon Prosser reported that it'll be released on June 27.
Folding phones are all about that large inner display, and the latest rumor suggests that the phone will feature a 7.6- to 7.69-inch internal screen and a 5.79- to 5.8-inch external display. Leaked renders also suggest a bulkier phone than Samsung's folding device, but we'll have to wait for an official announcement to know for sure. Another reputable leak from Front Page Tech suggests the phone will have a more traditional 17.4:9 aspect ratio for the outside screen, which departs from Samsung's longer and thinner outer display. As for the resolution the external display could have 2,092 by 1,080 pixels and the inner screen could have 2,208 by 1,840 pixels.
That same YouTube video from Front Page Tech and Jon Prosser says there will be two colors, Chalk and Obsidian. The video provides nearly every detail about the phone, leaving little to wonder. For example, the video says it'll have a Tensor G2 chip, a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto shooter with 5x optical zoom. Finally, the leak says there will be an 8MP selfie camera inside.
Chances of being there: Certain
Pixel Tablet Could Show Up, Too
We're confident that Google will reveal its Pixel tablet in full at the event. Google itself already provided a good look at the device in a preview during the Pixel 7 launch event last October. The company's website says it will bring "the best of Android and Pixel together in a tablet," and notes that it's "Coming in 2023."
In the preview shown last fall, Google suggested the tablet could also serve as a smart display. It's an exciting device that could boost the appeal and power of Android tablets.
Just days before the big event, a massive leak through a listing on Amazon's Japan website spilled the beans. It revealed most details about the Pixel Tablet, including the price and specs. The leak suggests the Pixel Tablet will also have the Tensor G2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage, depending on the model. It also says the screen will be 2,560 by 1,600 pixels with 500 nits of brightness. It'll feature two 8MP cameras, one on the front and one on the back.
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The Amazon Japan listing suggests a ¥79,800 price (around $591), which tracks with previous price rumors.
Chances of being there: High
What's New in Android 14
Google has already released two Android 14 developer previews and two public betas, so we're fairly well-informed about what the latest version of Android will have to offer. Still, we expect Google to spend plenty of time detailing the future of Android at I/O, with a full rundown of all the fresh features and tools.
For example, the company intends to improve the Android experience on large tablets and foldable devices. It mentions that "starting in Android 14, users will be able to scale up their font to 200%. Previously, the maximum font size scale on Pixel devices was 130%." This will help with reading.
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Android 14 is also slated to add new language options and background-process improvements to upgrade battery life and system responsiveness. The new operating system will likely be the centerpiece of the keynote address.
Chances of being there: Certain
Tons of AI
We know that Google will focus on AI at I/O. In the Google Developers Blog post, the company cites AI as one of the topics on deck. "You’ll also get to hear about ways to use the latest in technology, from AI and cloud to mobile and web," reads the post.
While we don't know precisely what AI developments Google will reveal, we're confident that we'll see an update to Bard, Google's low-key answer to the wildly popular ChatGPT. We may also see AI products that are further out from reaching users.
Chances of being there: Certain
Google I/O Is Here!
Expect lots of exciting news, both for hardware and software, on May 10. PCMag will be there to bring you all the news.
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