Google I/O updates LIVE — Tech giant releases ‘magic AI’ and the first foldable phone with huge price tag
THE 15th annual Google I/O has ended at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, but not before the company announced "magic" AI news along with a new foldable phone.
Google has released its first foldable smartphone ever called the Google Pixel Fold, and it flips open and closed like a book.
The tech giant says it’s the “thinnest foldable ever” to combat complaints that folding phones are too bulky but expect to spend for the newest device as it comes with a hefty price tag of $1,799/£1,749.
Earlier at the conference, the CEO of Google Sundar Pichai announced the Help Me Write feature in Gmail which enables individuals to type a prompt – like asking an airline for a refund – and Gmail will prepare the email for you.
It would even pull in flight details from the previous email and you can press the Elaborate button to make it even more complex.
Users will also have more options for editing photos coming soon as Google has unveiled a new experience called Magic Editor which will let individuals use AI to remove unwanted bag straps, improve the lighting in the sky, move people around, and more.
Another mind-blowing feature lets you move people or objects into the center of an image if they’ve been cut off. The AI will “guess” what the rest of the photo should’ve looked like.
Read our Google I/O live blog for the latest news and updates…
Tech user's thoughts on the conference continue to roll in
Many tech users have taken to Twitter to share their opinions on the Google I/O conference.
One : "My thoughts about #GoogleIO
"1. Pixel 7A will be great for anyone that's just getting into the Pixel ecosystem, within a budget.
"2. I won't recommend Pixel Fold because it's first gen and I personally don't get the appeal of foldable phones (plus, have you seen the price?"
Another : "Summary: We have miraculously integrated cutting-edge artificial intelligence into every single one of our products, taking the world by storm with our unparalleled technological prowess!"
Google I/O in pictures, continued
Throughout today's conference, the tech giant unveiled innovative AI features along with two new phones.
Google I/O in pictures
Google held its fifteenth I/O conference today from Mountain View, California.
The giant tech company announced multiple AI features and products headed consumers' way.
Google Workspace announcements, continued
If you're writing in Google Docs, it can offer questions that help you write – or give you ideas.
And in Gmail, it can find the information you need for an email you're writing (like dishes people have said they're bringing to a potluck).
In Slides, the AI sidekick can also create speaker notes for each slide.
This is a game-changer for anyone who has to present anything.
There's also a new AI-powered Google Search coming our way.
Google demonstrated at length how it will improve shopping online as we discover new information.
The tech giant is describing this as "Search supercharged."
Google workspace announcements
As well as the Gmail button and Bard updates, Google had some other useful Workspace announcements.
It showed an example of AI generating a quick job description for you in Google Docs and in Google Sheets, the AI was able to create a client document for a dog walker.
For Google Slides, Google showed how AI can use slides as prompts for image generation.
It can create 6 to 8 images that you might want to use on your slide, based on the words you've got on it.
Google's AI sidekick can suggest smart prompts to help you out.
Help Me Write, continued
Google provided an example of where the AI button will be located and its settings.
Users will be able to find it near the reply button in Gmail.
You can choose the basic reply setting or click "elaborate" for a much longer email.
There are also "formalize," "shorten," and "I'm feeling lucky" options.
If you dislike the message the AI writes then you can easily click "recreate" to get a new one.
Google says the new button will be released soon.
Google's Help Me Write
The tech giant announced the Help Me Write feature at its huge Google I/O conference being held in California on Wednesday.
It allows AI to write detailed responses for you.
Google demonstrated how the AI button could be used to help get you a refund.
Instead of having to write a lengthy explanation of what you need, the AI can use information from an existing email thread and can ask for a refund for you.
Tech users divided over conference
Google I/O unveiled many of its new features and devices coming soon for tech users everywhere but fans have taken to Twitter with differing opinions on the conference.
One user wrote: "Ngl #GoogleIO was a little boring"
A second wrote: "Gotta say one of the best #googleio! presentations ever. Cannot wait for the #Pixel7a"
International user 'very disappointed'
After Google announced the arrival of its new Google Pixel Fold device not everyone was happy.
An Australian has taken to Twitter to share their displeasure after learning that the device will not be released in Australia at this time.
The user wrote: "After all my excitement for the I find out it's not coming to Australia [sad face] Very disappointed."
Google I/O event has ended
The Google I/O conference has ended but not without unveiling amazing new AI and new products.
Google has released new phones, tablets, and "magic" AI that allows users to edit photos.
Google Pixel Fold battery life and price tag
Lastly, Google said that it can reach beyond 24 hours of battery life, which is good to hear – but your own mileage may vary.
Sadly the catch is that it's extremely expensive, if you thought the latest iPhone was pricey, you may pass out at the sight of the Pixel Fold's $1,799/£1,749 price tag.
Google Pixel Fold features
Of course, it's not all about the "fold," the Pixel Fold is a powerful smartphone in its own right.
For a start, there's a triple rear camera system including a 48-megapixel snapper plus telephoto and ultra-wide shooters.
Stargazers will be able to enjoy the stabilized table-top astrophotography mode for stunning photos of the night sky.
It's powered by Google's Tensor G2 chip and boasts either 256GB or 512GB of storage.
The phone is IPX8 rated for water resistance, so don't worry about splashing it and it's got a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, as well as Face Unlock.
Flipping out
The idea is that you can use the front screen for generic smartphone tasks and when you want to watch videos, play games, or multi-task, you'll flip the Pixel Fold open and use the inner screen.
Google said that more than 50 of the most popular apps have been optimized for the larger screen.
Google releases Google Pixel Fold
Google has revealed its first foldable smartphone ever which is called the Pixel Fold, and it flips open and closed like a book.
The tech giant says it’s the “thinnest foldable ever” to combat complaints that folding phones are too bulky.
It's 6mm unfolded and 12mm folded, not counting the rear camera bump.
At a glance face-on, it looks like a normal smartphone with a premium 5.8-inch OLED display.
But from the side, you can clearly see that it's a folding device.
Inside you'll find a giant 7.6-inch tablet-esque inner display with a 6:5 aspect ratio.
Google's Magic Eraser
You'll be able to use Google's mind-blowing Magic Eraser tool that lets you instantly scrub unwanted people or objects from your snaps.
And of course, it runs on Google's popular Android OS – so you'll get the usual apps and features to boot.
The handset is affordable at just £449/$499, and it's available from May 10 on the Google Store.
Google Pixel 7A camera features
The camera system is no joke either: you've got a double snapper on the back with a 64-megapixel Wide shooter and a 13-megapixel snapper too.
The 64-megapixel camera features the largest sensor ever shipped on an A-series device, so you should get decent low-light performance.
Google is offering up Super Res Zoom up to 8x, a 13-megapixel front-facing snapper, and 4K 30fps video recording on all cameras.
Google Pixel 7A features, continued
Google has fitted the Pixel 7a with wireless charging and the search engine giant reckons you can get a whopping 72 hours of battery life if you switch Extreme Battery Saver on.
It comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as standard.
You'll be able to unlock it using your face and your fingerprint for added security.
Google Pixel 7A features
But it's also got some powerful specs.
For a start, it's powered by Google's speedy Tensor G2 chip.
There's a 6.1-inch Full HD+ display to enjoy.
This is an OLED panel, so you'll get impressive colors and contrast.
The 90Hz Smooth Display also offers 25% higher peak brightness than the old model.
Google releases Pixel 7a
Google just announced its new Pixel 7a smartphone.
It's part of Google's Pixel A-series, which is the company's mid-tier smartphone range.
The new mobile looks like a high-end gadget, with a Pixel 7 Pro-style design – including the iconic camera bar on the back.
You can bag it in Charcoal, Snow, Sea, and Coral color options.
Google talks about Pixel
We're now moving on to Google Pixel which is Google's own brand of devices running on Android – and end-to-end engineered by the company.
Google is talking about how the devices have AI at their heart.
We're likely moments away from new gadget announcements.
Google releases wallpaper maker
Android phone owners will be able to use AI to create their own wallpapers.
You can select from pre-selected "prop" prompts, like art styles and themes.
Then you can swipe through a selection of wallpaper creations that Google's AI has conjured up, the feature will be released in the fall.
Google wallpaper maker
Be aware of unknown trackers
Google revealed that it will warn users if an unknown tracker is moving with them.
These tracker tags (like Apple AirTags) are increasingly common and popular.
Now – and in part thanks to a partnership with Apple – Android phone owners can be alerted to unknown trackers following them.
Google updates FindMy for users
Google is updating its Find My experience which will let you find your phone, tablets, headphones, and more if you've lost them.
Nearby Android devices can help you locate lost Google gadgets and third-party devices (like Tile) will also be in the Find My Device network to help you out too.
This is very similar to Apple's own system for its gadgets.
Google releases WhatsApp application for watches
WhatsApp is adding a native app to Wear OS watches.
That means you'll be able to send and receive WhatsApp messages from your wrist.