Watch a Google I/O 2022 live stream later this week, and you’ll see the usual software-centric fare you’d expect from a developer conference. But you might also get a glimpse of new hardware from Google.
Traditionally, Google uses its I/O conference to present the latest developments in software like Android or Wear OS, services like Gmail or Photos, and advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. But Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet, suggested in late April that hardware announcements were in the works for this year’s event. And we’ll find out exactly what’s in store later this week.
Interested in the new hardware Google is preparing? Want to know the latest Android 13 news now that the first mobile phone software update beta is out? Everything will be available during the Google I/O keynote. And watching the event’s live stream ensures you’ll see every announcement from Google I/O as it happens.
Here’s a guide on where to watch the Google I/O 2022 live stream and what you can expect to see once the event begins.
What is Google I/O?
Google I/O is the software giant’s annual developer conference. It’s been held every year since 2008, with one notable exception: In 2020, Google canceled the event due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year, Google I/O returned, but as an entirely virtual event. The 2022 edition of Google I/O will also be primarily online, although a small number of people will attend in person.
As a developer conference, Google I/O focuses primarily on the code and inner workings of Google’s vast array of software and services. App makers are using the multi-day event as a way to spend time with Google building products for Android, Chrome, and any other platform you can think of.
However, Google I/O opens with a keynote in which the company introduces new and updated software to a wider audience. This is the part of I/O that gets the most attention from the rest of the world.
When will the Google I/O 2022 keynote take place?
Google has scheduled the Google I/O 2022 keynote for Wednesday, May 11 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/6 p.m. GMT. This event marks the start of Google I/O, which will take place over two days this year, May 11-12.
Immediately after the keynote, Google will then host a developer-focused keynote, likely on more in-depth software changes. This keynote begins at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. GMT.
You can get a complete list of all presentations, learning labs and technical sessions on the Google I/O website.
How can I watch a Google I/O 2022 live stream?
The Google I/O page will have a live broadcast of the event that everyone can watch. Google also released a speech stream on youtube which will go live at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, May 11.
What should I expect from Google I/O 2022?
As mentioned above, Google tends to introduce its various software and services to I/Os, with particular attention paid to the next version of Android. In the past, I/O marked the public debut of the latest Android beta, but this year the Android 13 beta is already available as Google works to prepare this update for release. later this year.
Still, the Google I/O keynote will be the first time Google can really dig into the new features and improvements coming with Android 13. Much of what we’ve seen so far has been aimed at developers, as they work to update their apps for the new software. However, highlights of the first Android 13 beta include spatial audio support, upgraded Bluetooth LE support, previews of copied text you can edit, and a new photo picker.
In addition to Android 13, expect some of these other products to share the Google I/O stage.
Pixel 6a: Wait, didn’t we just say that Google tends to focus on software at the input/output level? Yes, but the Pixel 6a could be an exception, as Google uses the spotlight at its developer conference to launch a new version of its budget phone.
The Pixel 6a is expected to switch to a Tensor chipset like the one used in Google’s Pixel 6 flagships, so talking about the new phone at Google I/O will give the company a chance to showcase its machine learning features. The Pixel 6a is also expected to adapt the distinctive look of the Pixel 6 while still selling for less than $500.
Pixel Watch: This is the other piece of hardware set to appear at Google I/O, although this may just be a preview of this long-awaited smartwatch from Google. A rumor suggests that Google might show off the watch now, but wait until the fall to release the wearable alongside the Pixel 7 flagships.
The Pixel Watch leaks feature a rounded design with a crown and two side buttons. Rumored features included sensors capable of reading heart rate, ECG and body fat percentage, much like the Galaxy Watch 4, which also runs on Google’s Wear OS. (And yes, expect to hear about an updated version of Wear OS as well.)
We could see up to three different Pixel Watch models, each with different specs or their own lens. Think of a watch aimed at the fitness sector, while another woos the lifestyle market.
Pixel Buds Pro: Last week, leaker Jon Prosser said a new version of Google’s wireless headphones would be coming soon, which would appear to coincide with Google I/O timing. The problem is that there have been very few leaks about these buds, other than speculation they would add more advanced features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio support. We’d consider this a long-term announcement over the Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch.
More software and services: Google is a vast company with many different offerings, ranging from Chrome OS and Chrome Browser to YouTube streaming and its G suite of cloud-based desktop apps. Any of these entities could demand stage time during I/O’s keynote.
Recent keynotes have introduced features in Gmail, Google Maps and Photos – widely used software where new features would be of interest to the vast majority of people logging into the I/O keynote. For this reason, you can probably bet on one or more of these offers claiming a share of the spotlight. Likewise, there has been a lot of activity on the mobile payments front, with rumors that Google is looking to relaunch its Wallet offering as a digital wallet complement to Google Pay transactions – which could also be announced during the I /O.
But the most likely possibility involves new features for Google Assistant. At recent I/Os, Google showed how its Assistant can book appointments over the phone and recognize text in photos — features that have integrated into Android phone functionality. These are engaging demos that show off Google’s mastery of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and we imagine Google won’t pass up an opportunity to let us know about more advancements in this area.
