Google is slated to host its I/O 2019 developer conference from 7 to 9 May in the United States this year, where Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google, will host the keynote on the first day. We also know that Pichai, as is the case, will shed light on some of the new products that are being developed at the Google HQ. Possibly a new smartphone.
This is where we get a glimpse of the next Android flavour every year, and this year it’s time for the yet to be named Android Q to officially make its debut in front of thousands of developers who will be working on apps for the new OS version.
We’ve already heard a lot about Android Q, the headlining feature being dark mode switched on for apps across the phone.
Google has now released a detailed schedule on what to expect from Google I/O 2019 and here’s a look at what we expect to see this year.
1. Android Q, Of Course
The next version of Android will be Q and even though it’s yet to be given a name, leaks and developer inputs have already told us about what it will offer.
Ever since Android Pie came out in 2018, we’ve seen a drastic shift towards privacy and user permissions becoming vital to Google for its users.
Android Q is expected to move in the same direction, enhance the existing security features and add a host of new features that will appeal to millions of Android phone users across the globe.
It has rolled out to select users who’ve signed up for the beta program.
This version is mostly there for developers to get a quick look at the upcoming Android version and what new features it offers. For now the Android Q version is compatible with all Pixel series of devices from Pixel to the Pixel 3.
While we didn’t see the dark mode option, Android Q seems to vouch for foldable screen devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold. In addition to that, Android Q focuses on improved security features, which includes the native biometric identification options like fingerprint and face recognition.
2. A New Google Pixel Smartphone
Developer conferences have become the new hotbed for product launches and it is rumoured that year Google will announce a new Pixel smartphone dubbed the Pixel 3a.
This could be Google’s attempt to enter the mid-range market that has been primarily dominated by brands like OnePlus.
The Pixel 3a in all possibility will come in a compact form factor with all the flagship level specifications including the single-lens camera on the Pixel XL.
Here’s a glimpse of what the Pixel 3a could look like.
3. Apps for Foldable Screen
Yep, this was expected and Google has indeed added this session for its developers this year. Phones with foldable screens have been announced by Samsung, Huawei and a few more brands but none of them are ready to launch it in markets, probably because there aren’t enough apps compatible for such devices.
Which is why the Google I/O 2019 will take centrestage and help developers in building apps for these futuristic form factors.
4. Stadia Gets the Limelight
Google’s recently announced Stadia online gaming platform will also get introduced to developers and game publishers.
Google I/O 2019 will host a session called Stadia Streaming Tech: A Deep Dive, where the search giant and its team from Stadia will educate people on the support setup required to host games from later this year.
5. Boost for Google Maps AR Avatar
Google will also shed more light on its augmented reality (AR) navigation feature for Google Maps – a feature that would provide people with directions from the phone's camera in real time.
The company showed this upcoming AR feature at its annual developer conference Google I/O in 2018, but people didn’t get to use it back then. However, after David Pierce from The Wall Street Journal got a hands-on experience of the AR navigation feature earlier this year, we’re hoping that the feature makes its way to end users sometime soon.
He described how the feature worked – the app picks up a person's location via Global Positioning System (GPS), and then uses Street View data to narrow it down to the exact location. Once his location was pinned down, it displayed big arrows and directions in his screen.
More Stuff Expected
The keynote and the following sessions will also comprise of new developments with Google Assistant and hopefully we’ll see new smart speakers from the company. Android TV is likely to get its P version update and even the Auto side of Android could get some updates.
The Google I/O 2019 keynote will take place on 7 May at 10:30PM IST and you can get all the updates from our live coverage of the event.
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