During its annual IO keynote event, Google showcased several new devices, including the next-generation Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds, Pixel tablet, Pixel 7 and Pixel 6A smartphones, as well as other new features. Here are the biggest announcements Google made during its IO event, and when you can buy the newest devices and try the latest features for yourself.
Pixel Watch
While Google has partnered with other companies to release smartwatches over the years, the tech giant will release its own smartwatch for the first time this fall. The new Pixel Watch will run on Google’s Wear OS 3 and come with Fitbit integration, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and more.
Unlike previous OS Wear smartwatches, the Pixel Watch will not be compatible with iPhones and can only connect with phones running Android 8 or later.
While Google did not reveal the price of the Pixel Watch, the tech giant confirmed that it will be released this fall.
Pixel Buds Pro
During the IO Event, Google announced its first wireless earbuds to feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The Pixel Buds Pro will also support spatial audio, which makes your audio sound like it’s coming from all around you for a more immersive experience.
While they are twice as expensive as the previous model, Google managed to increase the battery life of the Pixel Buds Pro to 31 hours and add wireless charging to the case. Plus, the Pixel Buds Pro can switch between your devices automatically, so you can go from watching a movie on your laptop to answering a call instantly.
You can pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro for $199 starting on July 21.
Pixel 6A
The Pixel 6A shares the same design as the Pixel 6 Pro, and the similarities don’t stop there. Google’s newest budget-friendly smartphone also has the same 5G connectivity, the same security architecture, and the same Tensor processor that was introduced with the Pixel 6 Pro last year.
With more processing power, the Pixel 6A can handle all the latest camera features like Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and more. However, Google didn’t update the 12 MP (megapixel) cameras from the Pixel 5A, which can’t hold a candle to the Pixel 6A’s 50 MP camera system.
The Pixel 6A will be available for pre-order on July 21, starting at $449.
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
While Google didn’t reveal too much about the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro during its IO event, the company did show off a short video with a 3D render of the upcoming smartphones. The new Pixel phones look similar to last year’s models, but they have a new camera bar that features an additional camera.
Both phones will have the next generation of Google’s Tensor processor, which will allow your phone to use the latest machine learning models (such as live translation and audio transcription software) while using less power than older pixel models.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are expected to be released in the fall with the new Android 13.
Google Wallet
Android 13 was first announced back in February, but Google’s IO event gave us a better look at what’s to come this fall. Among the new updates, Android users can expect to see some of the biggest improvements come to Google Wallet.
Soon, you will be able to hold more cards in Google Wallet, including plane tickets, vaccine cards, and even your driver’s license. The tech giant also announced that it will hide virtual credit and debit card numbers from retailers to help reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.
The Google Wallet updates were announced to start rolling out “in the coming weeks.”
Security and Privacy Updates
Google also used the IO event to announce other changes coming to the company’s apps and online services. For example, the new My Ad Center lets you choose the brands and topics you like and set how personalized you want your ads to be.
Google is also introducing AI to help prevent phishing attempts to gather personal information through fraudulent emails, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.
And finally, Google reiterated its plans to support the FIDO standard and create “a future without passwords.”
Read More: Google, Microsoft, and Apple to Expand Passwordless Sign-In