Wearables, Chromebooks and more: Hardware to expect from Google I/O today

The Google I/O is usually about showcasing the search giant’s software offerings and new tools for developers, but the company has also given us new hardware at the event. Glass, for instance, was announced at the I/O, and so was the original Nexus 7 in 2012.   This time around, we may see a handful of new hardware, including in categories so far unexplored. Here’s what the company could possibly unveil, based on the speculation in the build up.   LG G Watch Reports have been suggesting that Android Wear-based LG G Watch could be among the first to be unveiled from Google’s arsenal at the I/O. The G Watch will come with dust and water resistant capabilities, and also an always-on display. Going by the **most recent leaks** , the smartwatch will sport a 1.6 inch display with a resolution of 280 X 280 pixels. It will get a storage capacity of 4GB that can be expanded further up to 32GB via microSD card slot.  The device is likely to be powered by a quad-core 787 MHz Snapdragon 400 processor coupled with 512 MB of RAM, and a 400mAh battery that promises 36 hours of standby time. The G Watch is also likely to get multiple language support including English, Spanish, French and Korean, and also the ability to accept voice commands for recording memos and sending text messages. The device is expected to come dipped in white, black and celebrated **gold** options.   Samsung Android watch Though Samsung launched some Tizen-based watches and Google is all set to unveil its Android Wear, doesn’t mean both companies have gone separate ways when it comes to wearables segment. While several **patents** have been hinting at a Moto 360-like Samsung smartwatch running Android Wear, last week reports have been suggesting that we won’t have to wait too long for the device. Samsung and Google are expected to **announce the new wearable** tomorrow at the I/O. The smartwatch will most likely be on similar lines as the company’s Gear lineup. The company is in fact, believed to be working on two models of an Android Wear smartwatch – one using Samsung’s own chip and another powered by a Qualcomm chip.  However, there is no clarity on which one of these models the company plans to showcase at the Google I/O. [caption id=“attachment_226304” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  New DVF collection[/caption]   Google Glass With its dedicated session to wearable computing, Google could also talk about the Glass along with smartwatches. Earlier this year, the Explorer Edition was made available in the US as a  **one-day limited offer** , but after a good response, it was made available to everyone in the US.  Now, the company has taken a step towards expanding the reach of the Glass, which means we can expect the device to go global gradually as the year unfolds. Moreover, looks like Google is looking to turn the Glass into a fashion accessory. It has already teamed up with DVF, fashion designer **Diane von Furstenberg’s studio** for its newest range of Google Glass designs. Google has also partnered with Luxottica, which means Ray-Ban and Oakley-branded frames and shades for the Glass should eventually surface.   Chromebooks There are multiple  **Chrome OS and Chrome broswer sessions planned** , with focus on building Chrome apps, making cross-platform apps and developing using some of Google’s new tools for the Web platform. Chrome OS could see a UI and UX overhaul in keeping with the new line of touch-enabled Chromebooks.   Moreover, like Microsoft, Google also has an eye on the budget segment. We can expect some announcements for cheaper Chromebooks, either in the form of hardware tie-ups, or actual devices at the event. Chipset maker Rockchip has already  revealed a reference design based on RK3288 SoC(quad-core ARM Cortex A17 CPU running at 1.8GHz) at Computex 2014 which could be the base for cheaper Chromebooks in general. [caption id=“attachment_224874” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  11-inch HP Chromebook with a Samsung Exynos chipset[/caption]   HTC Volantis aka Nexus 9 While Google is rumoured to **ditch the Nexus brand** for a premium lineup called Android Silver, a new tablet calling itself **Nexus 9 aka Volantis** aka Flounder has surfaced. Recent report has almost confirmed that HTC is building this next-gen 8.9-inch Nexus tablet and claims it has been hearing about the tablet from multiple sources since Q1 2014. The tablet could sport a 8.9-inch display with 2048 x 1440 pixels of resolution, with pixel density up to 281ppi, if the specs are true. The Nexus 9 is expected to be powered by Nvidia Logan 64-bit processor, better known as Tegra K1, coupled with 2GB RAM.  The specs sheet also includes 16/32GB storage, 8MP OIS main camera, 3MP front facing camera, aluminium zero-gap construction and stereo front-facing speakers. It could tip the scale at 418 grams or 427 grams with LTE, and measure 8.91 x 5.98 x 0.31 inches.