What is Google I/O? It’s an annual developer conference where Google announces new hardware, software, and various updates for its existing apps and services.
When and where is Google I/O? The event kicks off Tuesday, May 7, and ends Thursday, May 9. It will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.
How to watch Google I/O? As every year, Google will live stream its keynote. We’ll embed the video as soon as it becomes available.
Are tickets still available? Google uses a raffle system and selects attendees at random among those who have registered on the company’s website. The lucky winners still have to pay for tickets, which cost $1,150 (general admission), $750 (community), and $375 (academic). Registration for the event has closed and Google has already notified raffle winners via email, so tickets aren’t available anymore. Those who didn’t get tickets or who cannot travel to Mountain View may be able to attend local I/O Extended events. Be sure to check the listings.
What to expect at Google I/O 2019?
Android Q
We’ll likely get to know a lot more details about the next version of Google’s operating system — currently known as Android Q — at the event. Google has already released first and second developer previews of Android Q. Google generally uses its I/O conference to make the first public betas available.
The initial betas have given us a good peek already at Q. Android Q will: support different accent colors; smooth over sharing tools; adjust notification clearing; ease Wi-Fi sharing via QR codes; add a secret desktop mode; add a native screen recorder; change volume settings functions; tweak microphone features; and much more.
Interested in checking out the latest developer preview ahead of I/O? Find out how here.
Stadia
Surely Google will provide more information about its gaming service, called Stadia. The company announced the cloud-based platform at the GDC gaming conference in March.
Stadia focuses on gamers, whether they be novices or experts. It is compatible with Chromecast Ultra and Chrome (the browser) on desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones. One of the hallmark features is the ability to switch from one device to another in just a few seconds. This will allow gamers to take their games with them wherever they go. Stadia even has its own controller.
Google’s Stadia will go head-to-head with Apple Arcade once both services get off the ground.
There you have it! These are some of the most interesting rumors and possible announcements for the upcoming Google I/O conference. We’ll update this post as soon as we hear more to keep you up to speed with all the latest.