What to expect at Google I/O 2019

Search engine giant Google is all geared up for the annual three-day I/O 2019 developer festival next week (May 7-9) at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.

Unlike previous years, the 2019 edition is touted to be bigger and better as speculations are rife that there will be an announcement of not just about mobile OS, a hardware product launch and much more.

Here's what to expect at Google I/O 2019:

Android Q

Google released the Android Q beta to developers back in March and the company is expected to officially reveal the Q moniker. It’s anyone’s guess that the top trending dessert names are Quesadilla and Quindim. That's understandable given the fact that there are very few desserts that start with 'Q'.

Android 10 christening aside, the new Google mobile OS will come with lots of improvements over the predecessor, particularly in terms of security like tighter control over apps that seek permission to access the contact list, read messages and photos.

Furthermore, there will be deeper integration of software, front camera and companion sensor to improve the Face unlock feature on the lines of Apple iPhone's advanced Face ID.

Also, Android Q may possibly bring full-scale support for foldable phones similar to how Android Pie brought support for a fullview screen with big-notch, dot/ waterdrop notch alike in 2018.

Updates on Stadia gaming platform

Google announced the Stadia, a cloud-based gaming platform that allows Android device owners with Android TV, Chrome-powered laptops, Chromecast-connected TVs and mobiles play seamlessly on cross platform and he/ she doesn't even need a console like PlayStation or Xbox , but just a gaming controller or a smartphone or keyboard for laptops. The Stadia is said to support HDR and 4K video quality at 60 fps initially and will go up to 8K with 120 fps in the future.

So far, Google has announced that it plans to bring Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Doom Eternal initially in the US, Canada, UK and select regions of Europe. It is expected to add more gaming titles and also expand to more markets going forward.

At the Google I/O 2019, the company might reveal the launch date of Stadia and also subscription fee details.

Improvements to Google Assistant and home smart speakers

The Mountain View-based company is expected to launch a new smart assistant device with a 10-inch display. It is to be dubbed the Google New Hub Max. It is said to sport HD+ (1280x800p) LCD screen with 150 pixels per inch (ppi) and come with Amlogic T931 processor, 2GB RAM, 12MP Nest camera with Sony IMX277 sensor and stereo speakers.

Also, the company is expected to bring new features to Google Assistant to improve the user-experience, which by the way is already better than Amazon's Alexa.

One more thing...

Pixel 3a series

For the past several months, there has be constant chatter on the internet about the impending launch of the mid-range Pixel 3a series, which the Google plans to bring to emerging markets like India, South Asia, Africa and select regions of Europe and America.

As it happened, Google, in April, revamped the company's Store website with Avengers: Endgame theme-inspired interface and also dropped a clue that 'Something big is coming to Pixel Universe' and now the Google Store page says 'On May 7, meet a new hero', all but confirming that Pixel 3a series will be launching next week.

It can be noted that in India, the Pixel 3a series will be launching on the very next day (May 8) and will be available exclusively on Flipkart.

Pixel 3a series is expected to come in two variants -- one a generic Pixel 3a and a top-end Pixel 3a XL.

Google's Pixel 3a is expected to sport a 5.6-inch full HD+ (2160x1080p) OLED display and come with Qualcomm 670 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage and 3,000mAh battery.

As far as the imaging hardware is concerned, Pixel 3a will house a 12MP single-lens camera on the back and an 8MP selfie shooter on the front. Like the flagship Pixel phones, the mid-range models will also have advanced photography software to get the best picture whether in bright sunny day or in pitch dark night condition.

On the other hand, there is very little information on the Pixel 3a XL other than the fact it will flaunt a 6.0-inch OLED display with 2160x108p resolution and 4GB RAM.

Both will be run Android 9 Pie OS software and support Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

The upcoming Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL phones are expected to cost around $300 (approx. €269/ Rs 20,784) and $350 (around €313/ Rs 24,248) respectively.

Other notable announcements expected at Google I/O 2019 include improvements to WearOS for smart wearables.

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