Google hosted its I/O 2022 consumer keynote this week, showcasing its new hardware developments, including the Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch, and software innovations, including an “immersive” display on Google Maps. It also unveiled the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Tablet as the next-generation hardware that will debut later. While the Pixel 6a’s launch in India has been confirmed, the Silicon Valley giant has yet to provide any details about the arrival of the Pixel Watch and other products in the country it showcased at the keynote.
To talk about the best of Google I/O 2022, Orbital host, Akhil Arora speaks with review editor Roydon Cerejo and executive editor Jamshed Avari on this week’s episode of the Gadgets 360 podcast.
The Pixel 6a debuted at the I/O 2022 consumer keynote with a price tag of $449 (about Rs. 34,700). The phone is available in three colors: Chalk, Charcoal, and Sage. It has a single 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. While Google hasn’t revealed any details about the Pixel 6a’s launch in India yet, it has confirmed that the phone will make its way to India later this year. It is being tipped that it will be available through Flipkart sometime in late July.
Google has offered its custom Tensor SoC on the Pixel 6a — similar to last year’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The new phone also comes with a dedicated security coprocessor called Titan M1. It has dual cameras on the back, including a 12-megapixel primary sensor. There is also a 4,410 mAh battery with support for fast charging.
The design of the Pixel 6a reminds us of the existing models of the Pixel 6 series.
In addition to the Pixel 6a, Google unveiled the Pixel Watch at I/O 2022 after years of waiting and rumors. The smartwatch has a circular dome design and interchangeable wristbands. The Pixel Watch also features Fitbit integration for enhanced fitness tracking support. Thank goodness the Fitbit acquisition finally means something.
At the event, Google also announced the Pixel Buds Pro as its next-generation true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. The earbuds come with Active Noise Canceling (ANC) support, which makes them different from existing Pixel Buds models. Details about the launch in India of the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds Pro were not provided during the I/O 2022 keynote.
In addition, Google teased future hardware with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, and the Pixel Tablet. The Pixel 7 series will debut alongside the Pixel Watch later this year. However, it’s been teased that the Pixel tablet will be out sometime in 2023.
Google also showcased its new “immersive” take on Google Maps, which aims to provide users with a rich, digital model of the world through their mobile devices. It works on both Android and iOS hardware and uses Google Cloud to render the experience to put less strain on the device.
The new offering has started rolling out in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo. However, there’s no word on if and when we’ll get it in India. The track record is not good for such functions.
Google also announced an expansion of languages on its Translate app to 24 additional languages. These include more Indian languages in Assamese, Bhojpuri, Mizo, and Sanskrit.
The event also gave us a taste of the next-generation Google Glass, which appears more natural than the original Google Glass. However, details on when we can see the new augmented reality (AR) glasses are yet to be announced.
We discussed the Google Glass upgrade and how well the Pixel 6a could perform in the Indian market. You can listen to all this and more by hitting the Spotify player’s play button.
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