Google I/O 2022 set for May 18 — Android 12, Pixel 5a and more

Google I/O 2021 set for May 18 — Android 12, Pixel 5a and more

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

It's almost that time of year, where Google fans everywhere gather for the yearly I/O developers' briefing. This is where nosotros hear about new Android and Chrome OS news and sometimes get to encounter hardware announcements, besides.

Later on cancelling last yr'southward briefing, Google is continuing to find COVID-19 rubber guidelines with the 2021 edition of Google I/O. The developers briefing takes place well-nigh from May 18 to xx, and it will be gratuitous to anybody. Yous can look to hear news about Android 12 for certain, and maybe some tidbits about the Pixel 5a and/or the Pixel Buds A.

Android 12: Everything yous need to know!
Pixel 5a: What nosotros know so far

So the countdown to next month'southward Google I/O begins! Here'due south what nosotros know so far going into Google I/O 2021.

Google I/O 2021: Android 12

android 12 developer preview — (Prototype credit: Shutterstock)

The star of the show will probably be Android 12, with Google previewing new features, APIs, betas, and all the stuff that thrills Android developers. Most Android fans will want to pay attention to the keynote that kicks off the conference, as that's where Google normally highlights what it's doing with the adjacent version of its software.

Equally for what nosotros know about Android 12, nosotros've had some time with the two Developer Previews that Google has released for Pixels. Not only is in that location a lot under the hood in terms of improvements and additions, but the biggest change is the new notification UI.

Right now by installing the Android 12 Developer Preview, you can get a taste for what'southward coming. The beta software includes new animations and transitions for the notification shade, and it looks pretty prissy.

android 12 developer preview notification ui — Android 12 Developer Preview notification UI (Epitome credit: Tom's Guide)

Rumor also has information technology that Android 12 might include a theming system, something that Android fans have wanted for years. Basically, that would permit y'all to apply preset color palettes to the arrangement every bit whole. And if app developers support it, this color scheme could apply to other apps besides.

Other big Android 12 changes include a dedicated one-handed manner baked into the OS itself (other phone makers have implemented their own), face up-based motorcar rotate, more responsive notifications, and the possible return of the double tap on the dorsum of the phone.

Google I/O 2021: Pixel 5a

Then far, we're pretty sure that the Pixel 5a is coming this spring. Several leaks, including renders, have popped up in the last few months environment the new budget phone, which figures to replicate its predecessor, the Pixel 4a.

Google Pixel 5a front and back pointing diagonally upwards — (Prototype credit: Steve Hemmerstoffer/Voice)

We wait that the Pixel 5a volition continue in the 4a's legacy past offering 1 of the best camera experiences for less than $400. It'll come with the cleanest Android experience bachelor, the no-frills Pixel experience Google is loved for.

We're non sure which organisation-on-bit the Pixel 5a will use, though we'd imagine either the Snapdragon 732 or possibly the Snapdragon 690 from terminal year, which offered a low-cost 5G modem. The Pixel 4a was successful because of its price-to-performance ratio, and nosotros don't imagine Google wants to break what worked.

Google I/O 2021: Pixel Buds A

This i is a recent development, only we expect to hear something well-nigh the Pixel Buds A, a new pair of truly wireless earbuds from Google. These were accidentally leaked by Google itself in a hitting dark green colorway.

Google Pixel Buds A — (Image credit: 9to5Google)

Though we don't know much most a timeline for these earbuds, we think Google I/O would be a keen fourth dimension for the company to announce the new product. Information technology would brand sense to practice so alongside the Pixel 5a.

We're hoping the "A" moniker means that these new Pixel Buds will exist cheaper than their predecessor while however offering a compelling set of features.

Google I/O 2021: Chrome Os

At this point, we don't know what Google will reveal nearly its Chrome Os plans. Previous I/O conferences have given u.s. Android apps that ran on Chrome, Linux integration, then much more that we can't list everything. Especially since in that location was no I/O last year, we call back there's plenty of Chrome Bone/Chromebook news to come this yr.

Google I/O 2021 outlook

We didn't go a Google I/O in 2020 due the earlier days of the COVID-xix pandemic, and then the company has a lot to grab up on this yr. Every bit nosotros've stated above, Android 12 is likely to be the star of the evidence, though we're sure that we'll hear about Chrome OS, too.

Merely don't be surprised if Google takes the wraps off the Pixel 5a and Pixel Buds A. Because that we think the new budget phone will launch old in June, we're hoping that Google volition talk well-nigh information technology at I/O.

And so marker your calendars for May 18 to 20, because information technology'due south going to be a decorated few days.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom'south Guide, roofing all things telephone-related. He'south written nearly phones for over 5 years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves goose egg more than relaxing in his abode with a book, game, or his latest personal writing projection. Hashemite kingdom of jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Jordan tends to lurk on social media, but you can best achieve him on Twitter.