Recognition: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
The Google I / O keynote has come and gone and full of exciting news.
Among the announcements, we learned of a new design for Android 12 with privacy upgrades and Google’s new partnership with Samsung to revive Wear OS. We also saw how Google Photos would pop up old memories and take better photos of those of color.
There was a lot to love during the Google I / O keynote, but a lot was also left out of the presentation. Here’s a look at what Google didn’t show us – nor talk about! – during his I / O keynote.
Stages
Google didn’t mention its Stadia gaming service at all. The keynote would have been an opportune time for Google to reassure Stadia players, and especially Stadia developers, that things are still going in the right direction. There were no such assurances so we had to question Google’s commitment to further games.
Chrome and Chrome OS
Recognition: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
The Chrome browser is one of Google’s core products, but the search giant hasn’t provided any updates to its hugely popular browser.
Google hasn’t looked at Chrome OS either, other than to say that Chromebooks are now some of the most popular computers out there.
Google Pixel Buds A.
Google itself recently leaked the Pixel Buds A, and it was expected to be among the few hardware announcements at the show this year. Instead, the Google Pixel Buds A were an absolute no-show. This really makes us scratch our heads.
Google Pixel 5a
Recognition: David Imel / Android Authority
Google has sometimes used Google I / O to debut new phone hardware, including the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL phones. The Google Pixel 5a may have been on deck for a Google I / O reveal after the Pixel 5 last fall. Unfortunately nothing. The company put on record that the phone existed, but its publication is still a mystery.
Android tablets
Google recently released a new feature for Android tablets – a form factor that the search giant has long forgotten. Android tablets now have a media-centric tool called Entertainment Space. Some predicted that Android tablets could get more functionality on I / O. Google didn’t even mention Android tablets, however, other than that the new Android 12 design should enable better experiences on all Google powered devices.
Whitechapel
Recently there was no word on Whitechapel, Google’s internal processor for Pixel devices. The chip, also known as the GS101, has been in the works for over a year and is expected to power the Pixel 6-series devices that are believed to be on deck for a fall reveal. It was possible that Google was talking about the chip at I / O, but it didn’t. Instead, the company rattled its quantum computer design.