The American giant is not idle! Google I/O 2022, the annual Google developer conference, was the occasion for many announcements in different areas. Here’s what to remember from what Google is preparing.
Google I/O, the major annual conference for developers in the Google universe, began on Wednesday May 11 at 7 p.m. French time. And, it has become a tradition, an opening keynote broadcast live (you can also see it again here) allowed the American giant to present the novelties to come for this year and even a little later. For two hours, Sundar Pichai, the “boss” of the Mountain View firm, held a rather busy program and particularly rich in presentations. Rumors that had been circulating for several months were thus able to be confirmed, but we were also treated to a few surprises. Here is a summary of the most significant announcements.
Google Pixel: the family of smartphones is growing
Pixel smartphones remain at the heart of Google’s plans. The firm took advantage of the Google I/O to unveil new models… and not only.
Pixel 6a: an entry-level Pixel 6
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro smartphones, high-end models, were released in the fall of 2021. It’s the Pixel 6a’s turn to join the family. Coming from the same mold as its elders, its design does not vary one iota. It adopts a more compact format than the Pixel 6, is equipped with a 6.1-inch Amoled screen and the Google Tensor processor which already equips the other devices. On the photo side, the 6a relies on a 12.2 Mpx wide-angle module and a 12 Mpx ultra wide-angle? On the front, you can entrust your selfies to an 8 Mpx sensor. Finally, on the price also the Pixel 6a stands out from the rest of the range with a price displayed at 459 euros (against 649 euros for the Pixel 6 and 899 euros for the Pixel 6 Pro). The device will be available for pre-order from July 21.
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are revealed
The opportunity was too good not to see a little further. Also, Google has therefore lifted – just a little – the veil on the next generation of Pixel smartphones, the 7 and 7 Pro. The American giant remained tight-lipped on the developments of the device. However, we were able to take advantage of a preview of the design with a slightly reworked location for the rear photo modules. This generation 7 should also welcome a new Google Tensor processor obviously more efficient than the one nested in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. We will have to wait until this fall to find out more.
A Pixel Tablet by 2023
Google believes in the revival of the tablet. And the firm to announce working on a device designed as “the most useful tablet in the world” (SIC). Again, the firm remained rather discreet about the specifications, contenting itself with presenting its design. It will obviously be powered by a Google Tensor processor. As for its availability: 2023, without further details.
The Pixel Watch planned for the fall
Target of many rumors and leaks on the Web, the Pixel Watch connected watch is finally official. It should be available this fall, at the same time as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones. The perfectly round design confirms the clichés broadcast on the Internet so far. Perfectly integrated into the Google ecosystem, it also relies on technologies from Fitbit, the American manufacturer acquired last year by Google. However, Google will not say more for the moment.
Pixel Buds Pro with ANC
They were expected, they are now confirmed. Wireless headphones with active noise reduction (ANC) are finally here. The Pixel Bus Pro embed an in-house processor to analyze and reduce ambient noise. They also integrate multipoint Bluetooth (to connect several devices simultaneously) and, of course, Google Assistant. Spatial audio rendering (a nod to Apple and its AirPods Pro) should arrive later this year with the Android 13 update. They will be available for pre-order from July 21 at a price of 219 euros.
Google systems and services: full of new features
Google is above all a galaxy of online services and operating systems (Android and ChromeOS). During the Google I/O, the firm therefore unveiled the developments for a number of tools used on a daily basis.
Android 13 on track
Android 13 is entering its beta 2 phase. This version, submitted to voluntary testers and developers, opens up to a wider range of Pixel smartphones (from models 4 to 6 Pro) but also to other brands and other models like Asus, Nokia, Oppo, RealMe, Vivo or even Xiaomi (see the official list on the dedicated page of Google). The firm pointed out new features such as the management of notification authorizations, the access of apps to multimedia content present on the device, the further customization of the interface with icon colors adapted to the wallpaper or even the multilingual mode which will allow you to use an app in a language different from that used for the system. If you have a compatible device, you can install and try this beta for free (bearing in mind that it may have bugs) by registering here.
Richer and more eco-responsible Google Maps
The cartographic tool Google Maps will soon benefit from a great evolution. Google will provide it with a new function called Immersive View to immerse you a little more as we detail here. Also on the program is the definition of eco-responsible itineraries. This function, currently available in the United States and Canada, will make it possible to calculate routes that will consume less fuel (and therefore pollute less). It will be deployed in Europe later.
A compelling virtual wallet
The Google Wallet, Google’s digital wallet, is not dead. In the shadow of Google Pay, the service is now resurfacing and will even replace Google Pay (in the world of Google, the waltz of services remains a recurring phenomenon). With Google Wallet, it will be possible to keep bank card data safe on your smartphone (for contactless payment, for example) but also transport tickets, loyalty cards and even, in the long term, travel documents. ‘identify. A vast project that will take time to obtain the necessary authorizations.
Enhanced security
Data security remains a sensitive subject at Google, which has already improved Android version 12 in this area. During the Google I/O conference, the firm recalled its ambition to remove passwords as announced with Apple and Microsoft last week but also, in the meantime, to further strengthen the security of our devices. Google is launching virtual cards on Chrome and Android. “When you use autofill to enter your payment information during checkout, virtual cards add an extra layer of security by replacing your actual card number with a separate virtual number,” the firm says on its blog. No need to enter the cryptogram number. The service is currently deployed in the United States.
Better controlled advertising on mobile
My Ad Center (my advertising center in French). This is a new function that will be integrated into Android. It should allow you to better control the way ads are managed on your smartphone. Make no mistake about it. Couldn’t turn off the tap. You will be asked to indicate the type of advertising that you are ready to accept and those that do not interest you. In fact, you will chew the work of Google to better understand your profile. The firm also offers to strengthen your confidentiality by choosing the personal data (age, family situation, etc.) that you wish to communicate.
A Summary function in Google Docs
The American giant has not spread too much on its online office suite. He just announced the arrival of a Summary function in Google Docs. Based on artificial intelligence, it will be able to automatically summarize documents that are too long. This function will also be available later in Chat.
