What to expect at Google I/O 2024

On By Vaseline

Google’s big developer showcase, which includes software, hardware and all of its consumer AI projects, is fast approaching. The Google I/O opening keynote is on May 14, and we have a good guess at what to expect.

For starters, the first beta of Android 15 is already out. We know there will be improved privacy features, partial screen sharing and app archiving at the system level. But they’re not the most exciting updates. Hopefully Google has some spicy features in its back pocket. Redesign something!

AI-wise, a lot of things. Gemini AI is now firmly established, but what about an AI assistant? Reportedly, Pixie, as it’s currently called, could debut on the Pixel 9. We also expect the company to ramp up its generative AI – but where will it start? More editing features in Google Photos? More text help in Google Docs? Something AI with Google Maps?

What about a new Pixel phone? Traditionally these are released in the fall, but what about a Pixel 8a? Maybe.

Before we do all that, we have an iPad event today in a few hours. Make sure you’re here on Engadget.

– Matt Smith

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Supergiant

Hades II is in Early Access for PC players. The roguelike is available now for $30. Hades II builds on 2020’s themes and gameplay time sink original. We get a new protagonist, and apparently there’s no need to be played through Hades. (Confession: I have never really defeated Hades…) The game will eventually also be released on PlayStation and Xbox.

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Schuurman

Sonos’ long-awaited debut headphones will be released in June. This says the Dutch company Schuurman, which has published information and images of the headphones in advance. Schuurman offered the device for €403.58 ($435) with pad replacements, which is quite close to the $449 price Bloomberg previously reported.

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NASA’s Boeing Starliner crew flight test was scheduled to fly to the International Space Station yesterday. Unfortunately, Boeing canceled the Starliner crew’s first combat test two hours after it was scheduled to launch. The launch control teams discovered “abnormal behavior.” Astronauts were already on board and had to leave the vehicle. The company has not yet announced a new launch schedule. It is the latest delay of many previous delays.

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