Google I/O is the company’s annual developer conference, but there’s still plenty to interest the tech fan too. Here are six streamed sessions we recommend.
Google I/O takes May 11 and May 12 this year, and the annual event is where Google entertains its developer community, bringing it together both in person and virtually to learn about what’s new in Android, WearOS, and other Google tools and technologies. But just because it’s primarily developer-focused doesn’t mean there isn’t anything for non-developers to enjoy. To help those with an interest in Google and Android navigate Google I/O’s many streamed keynotes, panels, and product demonstrations, here are our recommendations of the sessions to watch even if you’re not a developer. Google I/O will be livestreamed in its entirety, and all the streams should be available to watch for free, although you may need a Google Developer account to do so. 10 a.m. PT on May 11 We’ll start out with the obvious one, and arguably the most important. If you’re only going to watch one Google I/O stream, then make it the main keynote. Traditionally, it contains an overview of Google’s current business and where it’s headed in the near future, plus an introduction of all the new technology it’s currently working on. It’s also where any new products will be revealed. We’re expecting the Pixel 6a and/or the Pixel Watch to be among them. The great thing about the keynote presentation is even if it does get down into the developer weeds, it doesn’t last for long, so don’t be concerned if it gets very techy for a moment. It’s also where we often see some of the coolest new Google tech — whether it’s hardware or software — demonstrated for the first time. Everything from Google Glass to Google’s Duplex AI chatbot system has been featured in the I/O keynote in the past, to give you an idea of what to expect from it. Settle down for this one, as the presentation can sometimes continue for close to two hours. May 11 there’s no strict start time for this session, as it will follow the main Google I/O keynote and the subsequent developer keynote, both of which have a fluid start and end time.
