It’s that time of year again: Google is gearing up for I/O, the company’s annual software event. Like Apple’s WWDC, Google I/O is actually a developer’s conference, rather than a traditional product announcement. But while app developers can tune into specialized events of their own, the rest of us are really here for the consumer-facing software news. For Google I/O, that means a lot of AI.
Google I/O and AI
Google has been pushing its AI services for some time now. Once called Bard, Gemini is just about everywhere Google is: There’s now a paid version of the service, just like ChatGPT Plus, and the tech now powers many of Google’s AI features on Android, Workspace, Maps, and more.
AI is the current trend in tech, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Expect Google to continue the conversation as it explores its vision for AI in its product lineup, especially as it pertains to search. (Search continues to be the company’s bread and butter, of course.)
Of course, being I/O, Google will likely use the event as an opportunity to showcase Android 15, which is currently in beta. Perhaps the company will expand upon features we already know about, such as granular control over the number of notifications an app can send, a high-quality webcam mode, and partial screen sharing, among others. It’s also possible we’ll see some new features not yet tested in the beta, as well as other new features across Google’s product lineup.
While it’s possible the company will announce hardware, the focus is really on software. That said, the company will no doubt make note of its recent Pixel 8a launch.
How to watch Google I/O 2024
Even if you aren’t among the journalists and developers invited to I/O in person, you can tune in wherever you happen to be. Google will be live-streaming the event from its official website as well as from the company’s YouTube channel. The main event kicks off Tuesday, May 14 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET).
