Gemini, Android 15 and more

It’s almost that time again, folks: We’re about to find out about some of Google’s big ideas for the upcoming year at its . Most of the big news will come from the opening keynote on May 14, which will almost certainly give us more information about Android 15, as well as a whole bunch of AI updates.

There are bound to be some surprises, though we’ll more than likely have to wait until the fall to get the full scoop on the company’s latest flagship hardware.

As always, the rumor mill has been churning with a number of reports highlighting what Google is likely to discuss at I/O. To that end, here’s what to expect from the Google I/O 2024 keynote:

Android 15

I/O is first and foremost a conference for developers. This is always where Google gives third-party developers the full information about the next major version of Android so they can start working on apps for it or modify their existing products.

The first Android 15 betas are now in the wild. Between are an updated Privacy Sandbox, partial screen sharing (so you can record or share a specific app window instead of the entire screen), and to free up space. There’s also improved satellite connectivity, additional in-app camera controls, and a new power efficiency mode.

However, Google is saving most of its Android 15 announcements for I/O. The company has confirmed that satellite messaging is coming to Android, and we can learn more about how it works. Lock screen widgets may be a focus for tablets, while Google may load the sneak peek widget for phones. A redesign of the status bar may be coming, and it may finally be easier for you to monitor your battery health.

Wake words may reappear for third-party assistants like Alexa and even ChatGPT. it might have a feature called Private Space that lets you hide data and apps from prying eyes.

AI and lots of it

If you dropped a dollar into a jar every time someone mentioned AI during the keynote, you’d probably stash away enough cash for a vacation. The safe money at Google is talking about , which could eventually replace Assistant entirely. If that’s the case, we could understand some of the details of the I/O transition.

Back in December, Google was working on an AI assistant called Pixie as an exclusive feature for Pixel devices. Pixie is said to be Gemini-based and could debut in the Pixel 9 later this year, so it would make sense for the company to start discussing it at I/O.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to learn about AI-powered updates for key Google products like Search, Chrome, and G Suite. Controlled by AI and can also be set. Meanwhile, as Google again plans to remove third-party cookies in Chrome, it may see AI as and spill the beans on any plan for that on I/O.

Everything else

The offers some insight into what else Google will be discussing, even if those products and services won’t necessarily get airtime in the keynote.

Google has about the future of Wear OS, which will include details on “advances in the shape of the watch face,” so expect some news regarding its smartwatch operating system. There will also be on Google TV and Android TV.

Meanwhile, Google’s quantum computing team will talk about what’s possible in space and try to separate fact from fiction. Ann is also on the schedule, hinting at developments for a multi-display and casting experience.

What not to expect: Pixel 9 or Pixel Fold

It will be a big surprise for Google to reveal the Pixel 9 or a new Pixel Fold at the beginning of the year. The company will likely save those details for the fall before those devices go on sale at that time. However, it did make it official at I/O last year, so we could be getting a peek at some hardware – especially if it wants to get ahead of the leaks and control the narrative.

On the other hand, Google recently consolidated its Android and hardware teams under Rick Osterloh. His team may want a little more preparation to make sure the new devices are ready for prime time on the latest mod. As such, any hardware news (including anything related to Nest or wearables) may be a little further off.