Google I/O 2013: Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, New Nexus 7, Motorola X and more

The big conference Google I/O 2013 is happening next month and will run from 15 -17 May. Last year, Google introduced the Nexus 7, Android 4.1 Jellybean, the now-abandoned Nexus Q and a lot more. Now rumors said the next Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, next-gen Nexus 7 and more exciting things will announced. So today let’s jump right into our guesses and hopes for what we’ll see at Google’s biggest conference of the year.

1.  Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie
Whatever else Google announces, nothing will grab the headlines like the next major version of Android.
But the techies all agree that Google will probably just give Android followers a peek at the new OS since the current Android 4.2v update is not yet available on many devices yet. We didn’t see a major update in UI with Android 4.1 or 4.2 from Android 4.0, so if Google is going to release the Android 5.0, it will be refined, polished, and smooth — and it will be fast in order to compete with Apple!

2.  New Nexus 7
Google introduced to the Nexus 7 tablet at the last I/O, so it wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a new version-running Android 5, maybe. According to news from BGR, the Nexus 7.7 will have a Tegra 4 processor, a 7.7-inch, 1,920 x 1,200-pixel display, 8GB of storage, and both front and rear high-def cameras. 3G service and a price tag within the range of $149 to $199. Rumours said it would have an expanded screen size of 8 inches to rival the iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

3.  Lower Price for the Original Nexus 7
It is logical to expect a lower price for the original Nexus 7 once its old brother is released. Among the anticipated price tags for this device at $149, $129 and $99.  

4.  Motorola X Phone
Sticking with the mobile space, Google I/O 2013 may also witness the debut of the mythical Motorola X, the superphone Google is said to be working on ever since it completed the Motorola acquisition. The company is said to be throwing everything it's got at this new halo device, which is why it may not be ready in time for I/O. If it is, expect it to be the star of the show.

5.  Nexus 5
Google Nexus 4 has made a big success and has been selling out in stores across the U.S. But in order to compete better with the new Galaxy S4, HTC One and iPhone 5, Google need to update the Nexus 4, namely the Nexus 5. The Nexus 5 is expected boost an improved processor, camera and LTE support and so on.

6.  Google Glass
Glass was laughed off by many as a pipe dream when it was unveiled at I/O last year, but 12 months on these smart glasses are gathering significant momentum. With competition winners having already received their Google Glass samples, we expect I/O 2013 to provide significant updates regarding retail availability and app developer programmers.  I suspect we’ll see Google Glass officially announced as a consumer product at I/O 2013 and available for sale within a few months following the conference.

7.  Google Now
At last year’s Google I/O we saw Google’s answer to Siri: Google Now. Since then we’ve seen a few updates and to Google Now that have added features and functionality, but many in the industry are suspicious about why we haven’t seen more. I think Google’s been holding back on us and we’ll see a rush of new features for Google Now that will blow us away. What’s more, we’ll probably see Google Now for iOS demo’d.

8.  Google Babble
Babble is expected to unite Chat, Talk, Voice and Google Plus communication into a single service with the same conversations and features available everywhere. It seems the company has plans to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s iMessage and BlackBerry Messenger long term. Interestingly Babble is also said to incorporate notification syncing, a long overdue feature that dismisses notifications on all your devices once they are checked on one.

9.  Home Automation
It’s been a while since we heard about the ADK and Google’s push for home automation. This time around I suspect we’ll see some real-world products that can be easily controlled by your Android-powered phone or tablet. Either that or the ADK will fade into obscurity, never to be heard of again.

So what else do you expect to see at this year’s Google I/O? Welcome to show your comments below!