Google I/O 2022 Highlights: Android 13, Pixel 6A and What To Expect

Google I/O 2022 is a few days away, and there should be something exciting for Android and Pixel fans alike. Google has used its annual I/O event to promote its major product releases. Google I/O is where we learn about new Android, Search, Google Cloud, and other technologies.

While each I/O is significant for a variety of reasons, last year’s meeting featured some notably significant announcements. There was a lot to keep track of with Android 12, Google’s smartwatch partnership with Samsung, digital car key support, Google Photos updates, and the futuristic “Project Starline” holograms.

Given Google’s impressive showing at last year’s I/O, how is Google going to outdo itself this year? The rumour mill believes that this year’s Google I/O will be even more exciting than last year’s. The event is expected to include a slew of new Android and Wear OS features, as well as a few hardware announcements.

Android 13 is almost certain to make an appearance at this year’s Google I/O. Google launched the first developer preview in February, the first public beta in April, and the next beta version is likely to be delivered during I/O.

Given that everything we’ve seen of Android 13 indicates that it’ll be a minor update to Android 12, we’re not expecting any major design/feature overhauls. Today’s Android 13 beta build is almost certainly representative of the final build. QR code scanning, a Google Search bar in the app drawer, more Material You theme options, and better smart home controls are all included in this update.

That is not to say that there will be no new Android 13 tidbits revealed at Google I/O. A new Google Pay/Google Wallet interface has been hinted at, as well as new Settings pages and other minor UI improvements. At Google I/O 2022, we’ll get a fuller glimpse of Android 13.

Likewise, Google I/O 2022 should provide us with some advancements in Wear OS 3. Since Google revealed Wear OS 3 at I/O 2021, we have only seen the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4—a wristwatch with substantial interface customizations courtesy of Samsung’s One UI skin—running the operating system. We haven’t yet seen Wear OS 3 on a non-Samsung smartwatch. That should change at Google I/O 2022.

It is thought that the regular Wear OS 3 software will have several noteworthy differences compared to the Galaxy Watch 4. The most notable distinction is the ability to sync with a Fitbit. According to leaked screenshots, Google is developing a version of Wear OS 3 that collects data via the Fitbit app. Additionally, the new Wear OS 3 is rumoured to have Google Assistant commands, new tiles/widgets, and an interface design reminiscent of Google’s Material You aesthetic for its Pixel smartphones.

In terms of Pixel smartphones, Google I/O 2022 could very well be the venue for the unveiling of the Pixel 6a. When it comes to new hardware, Google typically uses I/O as an opportunity to show off its products. Three years after unveiling the Pixel 3a at Google I/O 2019, the Pixel 6a is expected to make its debut at Google I/O 2022.

The newest reports indicate that the Pixel 6a will be fairly comparable to the ordinary Pixel 6. It is said to feature a virtually identical design, the same Google Tensor processor, 12MP primary + ultra-wide cameras, and a 6.2-inch OLED display (either with a 60 or 90Hz refresh rate). What’s the best part? It’s expected to retail for $449 or $499. The ordinary Pixel 6 is already one of the greatest Android values on the market in 2022, so it’ll be fascinating to see whether Google can make the Pixel 6a even more attractive.

However, the Pixel 6a is not the only Pixel hardware that will be on display at Google I/O. Any tech leaker worth their salt will tell you that Google I/O 2022 will be the year we finally see the Google Pixel Watch. Pixel Watch speculation dates all the way back to 2016 and 2017 when the Pixel and Pixel 2 were announced, respectively. Many Android lovers have been anticipating a Google-made smartwatch for years, and if the reports are accurate, the Pixel Watch will launch in 2022.

As amazing as that sounds, we do not anticipate the Pixel Watch to be fully announced or released at Google I/O 2022. Rather than that, Google is likely to provide a sneak glimpse of what’s to come later this fall. While this is rather disheartening, any confirmation from Google that the Pixel Watch is still alive and well would be monumental.

As is customary at Google I/O, the most significant announcements are not those we anticipate. Rather than that, they are the mysterious ones that appear out of nowhere. It’s impossible to maintain a secret in today’s technology world, but Google always has something big up its sleeve to make people’s jaws drop.