Skip to main content

Google I/O 2021: How to watch the keynote today

With Google I/O starting in less about three hours, anticipation is hitting its peak. The developers conference will likely hold a lot of news for Google and Android users about new phones, upgrades to the Android OS, and even new Google Assistant-powered smart home devices.

This is Google’s first major event of 2021, and the first Google I/O since 2019. Last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic. The good news is that this means that the all-online Google I/O 2021 is open to everyone who wants to attend.

How to watch the Google I/O 2021 Day 1 keynote

Google Keynote (Google I/O ‘21) - American Sign Language

Google will stream the keynote event via YouTube at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. MT) today. If you want to watch, all you have to do is tune into the channel at that time to catch the keynote and the opening of the show, which will feature a performance from Tune-Yards and Blob Opera.

Virtual events have been the trend with all major companies since last year. Though it removes some of the networking attendees have come to expect, it does make the conferences more readily available to viewers from all over the world.

What to expect at Google I/O 2021

Google I/O is typically a developers conference where Google shows off its latest updates and changes. The Day 1 Keynote will be the main event when Google drops major announcements about upcoming products. If there’s going to be a major announcement about a new Pixel phone or a new smart home device, it will be during the keynote.

So what can you expect? If the rumors are to be believed, Google might drop news about the Pixel 6, new Google Assistant and Nest hardware, and possibly even a new Chromecast. There’s also a solid chance that information about the newest update to Android will become available.

We have a write-up of all the rumors here. If you miss the conference, check back on this page later to see everything Google announced during the keynote.

After the keynote, you can take part in different breakout sessions. Day 1 will include What’s new in Android, What’s new in Google Play, and What’s new for the web platform. A full schedule can be accessed through Google IO’s website.

Editors' Recommendations

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Why you should be using Google Home Routines
The Google Nest Hub Max in use.

If you’ve finally jumped into the smart home world by picking up a Google Nest Hub or other Google Home-compatible gadgets, you might think setting up Routines is something to postpone until you become an expert. After all, coming to terms with your new smart home might take a few days -- and Routines can often sound like a complex feature that’s best saved for a rainy day.

However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Routines are shockingly easy to use, and they allow you to harness the full power of your smart home. Here’s a look at what Routines are, how they work, and why you’ll want to start using them as soon as possible.
What are Google Home Routines?

Read more
Samsung SmartThings gets Matter support on iOS
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

Matter continues to make headlines as we slowly roll through 2023. In the latest news, Samsung is bringing the Matter interoperability standard to the SmartThings iOS app. As long as your iPhone and SmartThings app are up to date, you’ll be able to enjoy full Matter support for the popular smart home controller.

Companies have been eager to roll out Matter to their devices and software, with Amazon and Google launching big updates at the tail end of 2022 that brought support to hot products such as the Echo Dot and Nest Hub Max. Now, it seems Samsung is joining the club.

Read more
Google rolls out Matter support for Nest and Android
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Google has officially wrapped up its first wave of Matter updates by bringing the interoperability feature to Nest and Android devices. If you own products in these lineups, you’ll now be able to quickly connect them to other Matter-enabled products.

The rollout happened quietly throughout December, with the original Google Home speaker, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub (1st Gen), Nest Hub (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max, and the Nest Wi-Fi Pro all receiving the update. You’ll also benefit from Fast Pair on Android, allowing you to quickly sync Matter devices to your home network. All updates happened automatically (so long as you’re running the latest firmware).

Read more