Google IO 2023 starts tonight

Google IO 2023

Google IO 2023 — Google’s annual developer conference, where the company showcases new Android OS and other developments, is here. This year’s Google IO will be extra special as the company will showcase its first folding smartphone, dubbed Pixel Fold, alongside the first Pixel Tablet. We will also see the official launch of the Pixel 7a, which is also coming to India. Beyond hardware, Google will also talk about developments around AI and its generative AI chatbot Bard. The show will begin with a keynote by CEO Sundar Pichai. Following the keynote, there will be a developer’s keynote as well.

How to watch Google IO 2023

The Google IO 2023 is taking place physically, but fans can watch the keynote live for free. The live stream is going to be available on YouTube, and the link is already up as Google has already scheduled the stream. The Google IO keynote will begin at 10:30 PM, and following that, the developer-focused keynote will begin.

Unlike Apple’s WWDC, Google IO keynotes are typically long and typically go over an hour. This year, Google is expected to unveil a host of products and services, therefore, we can expect the show to be lengthy.

What to expect from Google IO 2023

While Google will be showcasing some of its first-gen products, Indian fans and users can get happy about the launch of the Pixel 7a. Google has already revealed that the phone will go on sale on May 11 on Flipkart.

The Pixel 7a can be a game-changer for the company in the mid-budget segment, typically dominated by Samsung, Oppo, and OnePlus. The Pixel 7a may cost around Rs 45,000, and the phone would get a new chipset (Tensor G2). There are also going to be some screen, battery, and camera upgrades.

Perhaps, the highlight of the show is going to be the Google Pixel Fold – Google’s answer to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Oppo Find N2. Google has already revealed the design, and the phone has a relatively broader display than the one on Galaxy Z Fold 4. It will also be powered by Google Tensor G2 SoC, which features on Pixel 7 series.

The rear camera module on the Pixel Fold includes three sensors. There could be a wide camera, an ultra-wide camera, and a telephoto camera. Since it is a Google phone, we can expect a tailored Android OS for this form factor.

The Pixel tablet may also come with the same tailored OS. Since tablets are majorly about displays, we expect Google to use a 10-inch display with all the mainstream software support for a decent viewing experience. The tablet could be priced around Rs 50,000 but its India launch seems highly unlikely.