We are a little less than a month away from Google I/O. All the fun starts May 15th. We’ve already broken down each thing that we are expecting to see at I/O next month. From Android 5.0 – Key Lime Pie, to Google Glass, to the new Nexus 7 and everything in between. Now this is our full preview.
Android 5.0 – Key Lime Pie
We’ve talked about how the Android team might change the aesthetics. As far as the interface goes, we are expecting Google to do a Cards UI type thing for the OS as a whole. Although that may not happen and they may just update some of their core apps like the Phone, People, Google Music, etc. to the Cards UI. There’s also rumors about Google creating a unified chat service called Babel. We’ve heard rumors that it’ll be combining Hangouts, Google+ Messenger, and Google Talk in Babel. There’s also talk of Google Voice integration coming after launch, along with Babel heading to Android, iOS, and the desktop at launch. We’re also expecting more from Project Butter and Google Now. There’s also talk of the Linux 3.8 kernel being part of the next version of Android.
Motorola X Phone
We’ve heard so many rumors about the X Phone. The latest rumors are saying that the X Phone won’t ship until late July or early August. So it might not get announced at Google I/O this year, and Motorola might have their own event further down the road. But we are still expecting a stock Android device, that is not a Nexus but is an AOSP device like the Motorola Xoom was. We’re also hearing that the X Phone was going to be customizable, but that might be a bit far fetched. Of course these are all rumors as we have no confirmation yet.
Nexus 7 – Second Generation
We are completely expecting a refresh of the Nexus 7 at Google I/O this year. We’re also expecting it to stick to the $199-250 price range but with updated specs. We’ve heard that Google/ASUS is opting for a Snapdragon processor over Tegra 4. There’s also a rumor that we’ll get a 7-inch 1920×1200 HD IPS Display along with 2GB of RAM, a 16GB and 32GB version along with a 5,000mAh battery running Android 5.0 – Key Lime Pie. We’ve also been told there is going to be an LTE-enabled Nexus 7. Somewhat similar to the HSPA+ Nexus 7 that is available now. Who’s excited to see what comes in the next generation Nexus 7?
Android@Home
Google announced Android@Home about 2 years ago at Google I/O 2011. It’s meant for you to be able to use Android to control everything in your home. But will we see a return of Android@Home this year at Google I/O? Perhaps. We’ve already seen at CES some home appliances running on Android. Samsung has an oven that runs Android 4.1, now that’s pretty cool. We’re also looking for the Nexus Q to make a return with Android@Home.
Google TV
We’re expecting Google to make one last push with Google TV this year at I/O. Google TV has kinda been forgotten lately. Although we have seen quite a few new set top boxes and TV’s running Google TV this year. So maybe Google will finally update Google TV past Honeycomb? All we can do is hope. What else should Google do to update Google TV? What else would you like to see from Google TV?
Google Nexus Smartwatch
It seems like everyone is making a smartwatch. In fact this week we heard that Microsoft is even rumored to be making one. So what exactly would we expect from a Google-made Smartwatch? Well that’s kinda hard to say. But I’d definitely be interested to see how Google makes it work with your existing Android devices. It would definitely be good for push notifications and checking emails without pulling out your phone.
Google’s Project Glass
Monday, we found out that those that pre-ordered Project Glass at Google I/O last year would be getting their glass in a few days as they are rolling off the production line now. We’re expecting Google to do something with Project Glass at Google I/O, perhaps announce when Project Glass will be available for the general public that aren’t explorers. What would you like to see changed with Project Glass before it gets released to everyone?
Google Music
What do we want to change with Google Music? Well we’d like to see a nice redesign of the app. It’s still sporting the Tron Honeycomb colors which don’t look all that good. We’re hoping to see a redesign similar to the Play Store redesign we saw last week. We’ve also heard some rumors of Google preparing a subscription streaming service in Google Music. We’ve heard that Google is going to prepare a a free subscription service and a paid one. This would really help Google compete with iHeart Radio, Pandora, Rdio, Spotify and the many other subscription-based music apps out there.
Some Food For Thought
Here’s something to think about. Before Google I/O, Google has released the Chromebook Pixel, and the Google Play Store revamp. So that would mean Google I/O is going to be HUGE this year! And I know I can’t wait. What are you most expecting to see at Google I/O this year?