May 7, 2019, marked Day 1 of Google’s Annual I/O Developer Conference held in Mountain View, California. On the first day, we got a sneak peek at some of the new Google products and software.
Here are all the highlights from day 1 of the 3-day Google IO 2019 conference:
#1. GOOGLE PIXEL 3A AND PIXEL 3A XL
SOURCE: WCCFTECH
The biggest announcement at the event was the unveiling of Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL. The Pixel has undergone quite a few aesthetic changes as compared to previous models. Here are detailed specifications for both the models:
| Google Pixel 3a | Google Pixel 3a XL | |
| Display | 5.6-inch gOLED 2,220 x 1,080 resolution 18.5:9 aspect ratio Dragontrail |
6-inch gOLED 2,160 x 1,080 resolution 18:9 aspect ratio Dragontrail |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 2GHz + 1.7GHz octa-core, 64-bit |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 2GHz + 1.7GHz octa-core, 64-bit |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x |
4GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| MicroSD | No | No |
| Battery | 3,000mAh 18W fast charging No wireless charging |
3,700mAh 18W fast charging No wireless charging |
| Cameras | Rear: 12.2MP Dual-Pixel Sony IMX363 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, 76-degree field-of-view, autofocus with dual-pixel phase detection, optical + electronic image stabilizationFront: 8MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 84-degree field-of-view |
Rear: 12.2MP Dual-Pixel Sony IMX363 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, 76-degree field-of-view, autofocus with dual-pixel phase detection, optical + electronic image stabilizationFront: 8MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 84-degree field-of-view |
| IP rating | No | No |
| Headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Active Edge Proximity Ambient light Accelerometer Gyrometer Magnetometer Barometer Android Sensor Hub |
Active Edge Proximity Ambient light Accelerometer Gyrometer Magnetometer Barometer Android Sensor Hub |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor Titan M Security Module |
Rear fingerprint sensor Titan M Security Module |
| Software | Android 9 Pie | Android 9 Pie |
| Dimensions and weight | 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm 147g |
160.1 x 76.1 x 8.2mm 167g |
| Colors | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish | Just Black, Clearly White, Purple-ish |
These handsets will be compatible with more carriers than before, including Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. It will also work on Google Fi. The Pixel 3a is priced at $399, and the 3a XL at $479.
#2. Android Q
SOURCE: TNW
At the conference, Google announced the availability of its Android Q Beta 3 for download on 21 more devices from 13 brands. This latest iteration of Android comes with new features primarily focused on better privacy controls. Android Q will have different accent colors, multiple sharing tools, secret desktop mode, and much more. It will also have native support for foldable devices, 5G, Live Caption (offline feature), Smart Reply, Smart Suggestions, a native dark theme, Family Link and focus mode.
#3. Google Lens
SOURCE: The Verge
The Google Lens has obviously been around for a while, but Google has now introduced some new features and applications for this amazing feature. The latest update now includes “visual answers” to “visual questions.”
For example, if you’re browsing through a menu at a restaurant and view it via the Google Lens, the AI will highlight best picks, and will soon be able to show you images of the dishes upon click. The Google Lens will soon be available to Google Go users. The lens in Google Go is under 100KB and is said to work seamlessly on low-end phones.
#4. AR in Google Search
SOURCE: VRScout
At the Google IO 2019 conference, it was announced that augmented reality is coming to Google Search. Therefore, users will soon be able to view and interact with 3D images appearing in the search results. Google said it is working with the likes of NASA, New Balance, Samsung, Target, Visible Body, Volvo, and Wayfair among others to bring such AR-3D images on their platform.
#5. Duplex on Web
SOURCE: KnowTechie
Google announced that it’s Duplex AI tool will soon be available on the web in English for users in the US and UK. With Duplex, the Google Assistant will now be able to perform tasks on your behalf, such as renting cars, booking movie tickets, etc.
#6. Google Stadia
SOURCE: digitaltrends.com
Google announced its new cloud-based platform, dubbed Google Stadia, at the GDC Gaming Conference in March. At the conference, Google announced a few more details about the platform.
Stadia will offer triple-A game streaming potential and is compatible with Chromecast Ultra and Chrome (the browser) on desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones. It lets players switch from one division to another in a matter of seconds, and will be competing directly with Apple Arcade.
#7. Nest Hub Max
SOURCE: Chrome Unboxed
At the Google IO 2019 conference, it was announced that the Google Home Hub is now going to be rebranded as the ‘Nest Hub’, and that Google will be introducing its sibling – the Nest Hub Max. The Nest Hub Max will have a larger screen, featuring a 10-inch display, compared to the Nest Hub’s 7-inch screen.
Next Hub Max will feature a front-facing camera which allows for Google Duo video calls as well as some nifty AI-powered tricks. The Nest Hub Max will be able to detect the identity of the person walking by and will then pull up the right information for that particular person (calendar events, notifications, etc.). It will also be able to send you an alert if someone it doesn’t recognize walks by when you’re not at home. It will be available in July and is priced at $229.
#8. Android Automotive OS
SOURCE: Autoblog
Last week, Google announced that it was opening up its Android Automotive OS to media app developers. This would enable them to start building and creating “new entertainment experiences”, and will hold a development session dedicated to helping developers make apps for cars. It is safe to say that we can anticipate a number of sessions about the Android Automotive in the remaining days.
These were the highlights from Day 1 of Google IO 2019. Stay tuned to www.techfunnel.com for coverage on the entire Google IO 2019 conference, as well as our two cents on Google’s new products and announcements.
