Alphabet Inc (GOOG)

[DiscoverGold]

What to expect at Google I/O 2019
By: Engadget | May 2, 2019

You could see new Pixel phones, a Nest smart display and more.

May has begun, and that means the latest iteration of Google's I/O developer conference is right around the bend. Usually, that translates to a deluge of new software, AI breakthroughs and web technology. And we're still expecting plenty of that at this year's show. This time around, however, there's a bit of a twist: Google confirmed during its latest financial results call that it will make hardware announcements at I/O, breaking a device drought from the past few years. But what does it plan to reveal, exactly? Here's a primer on what to expect so that you're prepared for whatever appears onstage on May 7th.

Google hasn't tried to hide that it's introducing new phones at the conference, namely the mid-sized Pixel 3a and the larger Pixel 3a XL. There's been a conspicuous teaser for "something big" coming to the Pixel universe on May 7th, and the handsets have even been mentioned by name on the Google store. It would be more of a surprise if they didn't get unveiled at I/O.

Thanks to a flurry of leaks, we have a good idea of what these new devices are capable of. Both Pixel 3a phones will have 12-megapixel cameras like their higher-end counterparts, complete with Google's custom Pixel Visual Core that helps deliver stunning shots. They'll even look similar to the higher-end models, with the same two-tone back and contrasting buttons.

The differences, according to the leaks, will revolve mostly around under-the-hood performance. The two Pixel 3a units will use midrange processors, most likely the Snapdragon 670 and (in the XL) the comparatively rare Snapdragon 710. And while the smaller 3a has a 5.6-inch screen with a 2,160 x 1,080 resolution like its high-end counterpart, you'd have to 'settle' for a slightly upgraded 6-inch, 2,220 x 1,080 panel on the 3a XL instead of the 6.3-inch, 2,960 x 1,440 screen from the flagship. You might, however, get a headphone jack -- an unusual change of heart when many thought Google had written off the 3.5mm port for good.

If there's any mystery left, it's the availability. It's not certain if the Pixel 3a line will ship right away, and the pricing remains a mystery. It's safe to say at least one of them will cost less than the $799 of the standard Pixel 3, but that might not guarantee a dramatically lower price. These will be the most accessible ways into Google's phone ecosystem. It's just a question of how accessible they'll be...

Read Full Story »»»

• DiscoverGold