By Abhik Sengupta: Google’s annual Google IO event is around the corner, where we will get a glimpse at the next Android OS for smartphones. Google will also likely speak on Bard, its ChatGPT rival and developments around the AI chatbot. However, the company is expected to showcase some hardware under the Pixel and Nest branding.
Last year, Google unveiled the Pixel 6a at the event, and this year, its successor, the Pixel 7a, is expected to debut. We might get more information about the much-awaited Pixel Tab, first showcased at the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro-launch event. However, the show’s highlight will likely be the Pixel Fold – Google’s first folding smartphone, similar to Samsung’s highly-popular Galaxy Z Fold series. There could be more surprises.
Here is everything we know about the Google IO event 2023 on May 10.
Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a has been a part of the rumour mill for a while, and we have seen everything about it in various leaks. The phone is expected to come with an updated 90Hz display and Google Tensor G2 SoC. The rear camera system may also get an updated 64-megapixel/48-megapixel camera sensor accompanied by a similar 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The front panel may include a 10.8-megapixel selfie camera.
Since it is a Pixel device, we can expect the phone to ship with the latest Android OS version and features. Its price may start at $499, which is roughly Rs 41,000. In India, the phone may cost between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
Google Pixel Tab
Google’s first tablet, dubbed the Pixel Tab/ Tablet, may also be officially revealed at the event. Google has showcased the design, but specifications remain unclear. The tablet will be powered by Google Tensor G2 SoC, similar to the Pixel 7a. The tablet’s colour options will be haze and porcelain.
Other key features may include up to 8GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a 10.95-inch display, and an 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 sensor at the front and rear. The tablet’s India launch seems unlikely since Google reserves its first-generation products for select countries. Its price may be set between EUR 600 – EUR 650 (roughly Rs 54,000 – Rs 58,000).
Google Pixel Fold
Recently, we saw the alleged video of the Pixel Fold, which looks quite similar to the Oppo Find N Fold. It means the front display of the phone could be much broader. A leak suggests the cover display may offer a viewing area of 5.8 inches, while the main tablet-sized screen may offer a 7.6-inch viewing area. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers a 6.2-inch cover display, and the main display measures 7.6 inches. We can expect the displays to offer a 120Hz refresh rate and support high-end technologies such as HDR and HDR10+ for a sharper and more vivid viewing experience.
Since it is a Pixel folding phone, the device may include a tailored Android OS for this form factor. Google may also optimise its in-house apps, such as Gmail and YouTube for the large screen. On the back, the phone may include three camera sensors, similar to Pixel 7 Pro. Again, the Pixel Fold’s India launch seems unlikely. It will reportedly cost over $1,700 (roughly Rs 1.40 lakh).
Nest product
Finally, Google may also unveil some new devices under the Nest branding. We haven’t seen Nest speakers in a while. It could be a year for Nest speakers since Apple also launched HomePod (2023) with improved sensors. Google might do something similar.
— ENDS —
Source link