At its I/O developers conference, Google unveiled numerous fresh gadgets and services including the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Android 14, and additional AI capabilities for its search engine. Based on Google’s past tendency, it is probable that more devices will be introduced later this year.
The Pixel 8 lineup was notably absent from the announcements at Google I/O, leaving us curious about how Google plans to compete with the rumored iPhone 15 and Samsung’s Galaxy S23. Not much was also mentioned about the Pixel Watch during the conference, but historically Google unveils its new mobile products in the autumn. Furthermore, there is a possibility that Google may provide more information about the joint development of a mixed reality platform with Samsung and Qualcomm.
While Google mainly outlined its strategy for introducing new products at I/O, its autumn Pixel event provides us with a more detailed glimpse into how the company is putting that strategy into practice with innovative hardware. Based on speculations and the firm’s prior product releases, let’s delve into what we can anticipate later in the year.
Check out: Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: A Comparison of Their Specs. Duration: 04:48.
Also, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
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Usually, Google launches its latest flagship Pixel phones in the autumn, and it’s anticipated that the company will stick to this routine for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro in 2023. The features and specifications of these forthcoming devices are not yet known, and will only be revealed once Google officially announces them.
In recent years, Google has focused extensively on camera-related updates, evident in the Pixel 7 series’ enhanced zoom and the addition of a new macro photography mode in Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, powered by Google’s Tensor chips, introduced innovative features like Magic Eraser, Face Unblur, and Real Tone. It’s expected that Google will continue to prioritize camera capabilities with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, although specific details remain vague at this time. Additionally, both phones are likely to feature a new Tensor processor.
There have been limited leaks so far, however, a few reports have emerged claiming to reveal information about the next set of Google Pixels. According to leaker Kuba Wojciechowski, the Pixel 8 Pro may have a thermometer built-in for body temperature measurement. A video shared with 91mobiles suggests this to be true. WinFuture suggests that the phones will operate on Android 14 and have a RAM capacity of 12GB. Well-known gadget leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer collaborated with MySmartPrice and SmartPrix to release supposed renderings of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Pixel Watch 2.
There have not been any discussions or much speculation about the future of Google’s smartwatch, the Pixel Watch. However, considering the yearly release cycle of Google’s Pixel phones, as well as their main rivals, the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, it would be unsurprising for a new Pixel Watch to be announced. According to 9to5Google, Google is reportedly planning to launch a Pixel Watch in the fall, coinciding with the release of the Pixel 8 lineup.
Considering the present direction of Google for the Pixel Watch, it is reasonable to anticipate a similar round design for its successor. It is also expected that the newest version of Wear OS will be featured. Additionally, there is a desire for better battery life and further health and fitness-tracking attributes such as the automatic identification of workout activities.
Cross-reality platform
The above-featured headset, named Samsung Gear VR, was released in 2015. The company made an announcement during its Unpacked event, revealing its collaboration with Google and Qualcomm for a fresh mixed-reality project.
Picture credit: Sarah Tew/CNET.
In February, Samsung announced a new mixed reality platform that has been developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. However, there hasn’t been much news about it recently. During Samsung’s event, Google’s senior vice president of platforms and ecosystems, Hiroshi Lockheimer, stated that they are striving towards a new generation of computing that will incorporate immersive experiences on innovative form factors, thereby enhancing the capabilities of Google.
Details of the partnership between the two companies have not been disclosed yet, so it remains uncertain what kind of products will come out of the collaboration or what the software will appear like. In February, TM Roh, the chief of Samsung’s mobile division, characterized the announcement as a “definitive” moment that displays the company’s dedication to constructing an XR ecosystem, according to CNET.
During I/O 2023, Sameer Samat, who serves as the Vice President of Product Management for Android at Google, announced that the company will provide additional information about its collaboration on “immersive XR” in the latter part of the year. This disclosure coincides with Apple’s rumored unveiling of its inaugural mixed reality headset at the Worldwide Developers Conference commencing on June 5th.
A fresh introduction to the Pixel Buds lineup – the Pixel Buds A-Series.
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If Google has plans to release a new pair of Pixel Buds, they may announce it in the fall since their last release in June 2021. We’re due for a refresh of the $99 Pixel Buds A-Series, and with Amazon’s new Echo Buds priced at just $50, the market for cheaper wireless earbuds is becoming more competitive. Although there haven’t been many rumors, we hope Google improves some of the current Pixel Buds A-Series’ drawbacks, especially their volume touch controls.
Fitbit Charge 6.
Google’s subsidiary, Fitbit, usually introduces new products during the late summer or early fall season. Among the notable releases this year is the Fitbit Charge 6, following the launch of Fitbit Charge 5 in 2021. According to 9to5Google, Fitbit’s upcoming major fitness tracker will have a similar appearance as Charge 5. It is also likely that Charge 6 will inherit some functionalities from the Sense 2 model, like the support for Google Wallet and constant monitoring of stress indicators.
Assuming the speculations are true and Google follows its customary release schedule, this autumn could be a significant juncture for the company’s wearable technology department. As autumn approaches, we will have a clearer understanding of how Google’s latest products measure up against Samsung and Apple’s offerings. Historically, Samsung launches its new foldable phones and wearables in August, while Apple unveils its latest iPhones and Apple Watches in September.
