Google’s annual conference I/O 2022 kicked off with a bang with the tech giant announcing more than a dozen software and hardware updates on Day 1. The new innovations claim to make connectivity even more seamless in the coming future. While we have already talked about Google Pixel 7 series, Pixel 6a, Pixel Buds, Pixel Watch, Pixel Tablet, and AR Glasses, now let’s talk about all the software-based launched that happened on the 1st day.
ALSO READ: Google I/O 2022: Pixel Watch coming this year; AR Glasses prototype revealed
1. Android 13
Google spent some time talking about the Android 13 Beta 2 which is going to roll out today for Pixels. To enroll in this Beta program, one needs to register on the website where you will find a list of eligible devices. Enrolling is a one-click affair post in which an update will be sent within a few hours. Afterward, you will get all beta updates and finalized Android 13 version too when it launches.
Android 13 includes new features like permission for sending notifications, a privacy-protecting photo picker, improved permissions for pairing with nearby devices and accessing media files, app-specific language settings, matching app icons to theme colors, and more.
The new features also include support for HDR videos, Bluetooth LE Audio, MIDI 2.0 over USB, and more. The new security and privacy page will provide a color-coded indicator of your safety status as well. Betas are available for the following devices-
- Asus (Zenfone)
- Lenovo (Tab P12 Pro)
- Nokia
- OnePlus (10 Pro)
- Oppo (Find X5 Pro)
- Realme (GT 2 Pro)
- Sharp (Aquos sense6)
- Techno (Camon 19 Pro 5G)
- Vivo (X80 Pro)
- Xiaomi (12, 12 Pro, and Pad 5)
- ZTE (Axon 40 Ultra)
2. Google Pay becomes Google Wallet
As a digital service, it is capable of storing payment cards, boarding passes, loyalty cards, student IDs, vaccine passes, and much more. It is a broader version of Google Pay.
3. Google Matter
Google is all set to launch its new smart home industry standard called Matter this fall. Devices will all connect quickly and easily using Fast Pair and the platform will support a variety of voice assistants and networking protocols. These include Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and more.
4. Google Wear OS
The Google Wear OS will get a Google Home App. It is a one-stop place for controlling various smart home devices, whether they are Google’s own Nest products or third-party lights and other products.
ALSO READ: Google I/O 2022: Pixel 7 Series & Pixel Tablet make a surprise entry
5. Google Account Safety Status
Google is all set to add users’ safety status to the apps they use. These updates will feature a simple yellow alert icon on the profile picture that will immediately flag all those actions that it needs to secure users’ accounts.
6. Automatic 2-step verification
Google is continuing its journey towards a passwordless future with long strides. It will come up with 2-step verification (2SV) auto enrolment to help improve the security of their Google Accounts and reduce the risk of getting phished.
7. Virtual Cards
Google is coming up with virtual cards on Chrome and Android. With these virtual cards, when users will autofill to enter their payment details at checkout, virtual cards will add an extra layer of security by replacing one’s actual card number with a distinct virtual number. IT will be rolling out for Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Capital One Cards.
8. Google Assistant New Features
Google Assistant is getting some new features. The first one is Look Talk which allows users to interact with the assistant without saying Hey Google every time. Quick Phrases is another feature that will help those who interact with Google Assistant without using the “hot word”
9. Google Real Tone Filters
Google is bringing Real Tome with a new set of filters for skin tones. Google photos will soon support filters that will adjust photos to reflect the actual skin tone.
10. Google Search
It is getting new updates in the form of scene exploration, nearme coming to multi-search.
11. Google Docs and Meet New Features
A new automated summarization will allow Google Docs to summarise entire documents automatically. Google Meet has improved audio and video abilities. These enhancements are backed by Project Starline.
ALSO READ: Google I/O 2022: Pixel 6a and Pixel Buds Pro Launched: Check Features
12. Google Maps
Google Maps is getting a new feature called the immersive view. The immersive view takes Street View and aerial shots to a new level, combining them to immerse you into the vibe of a place from wherever you may happen to be in the world. The time slider helps you check out what the area looks like at different times of day and in various weather conditions. It will work on any phone.
Stay tuned for more updates from Day 2 of Google’s I/O 2022.
