Google IO 2021 date announced, Android 12 and more expected

And like always, Google gave out a puzzle to solve on its social media handle that revealed the date.

Google IO 2021. (Google)

It has been a few days since Apple announced the dates for its Worldwide Developers Conference or WWDC. And now, we have the second tech giant Google, announcing the date for its version of developers conference, Google IO 2021. The conference, where we see the new Android version being officially launched and showcased, will be held from May 18 through May 20. It is worth adding that Google entirely scrapped its conference last year due to the pandemic. This one, however, will be free to attend as it will be completely virtual - just like WWDC.

And like always, Google gave out a puzzle to solve on its social media handle that revealed the date. However, if you still want to solve the puzzle, you can do it on the dedicated website.

...and we're back:) Join us May 18-20 for #GoogleIO live, online, and free for everyone. https://t.co/763eVjWpYE pic.twitter.com/Sk3tUnLme0

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) April 7, 2021

It is worth adding that besides the new Android version, Android 12, the firm may launch some new hardware as well. Back in 2019's Google IO, the company took the wraps off its Pixel 3a/XL and Nest Hub Max along with a unified Google Nest brand. The event usually takes place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View right across the Googleplex headquarters.

It has been happening since years that Google releases the beta version of the next big Android OS months before they are actually shown on stage during the IO conference. This year it has done the same. Just last month, the company rolled out the second developer beta of Android 12.

The preview comes with a bunch of new features, one of which is the Picture-in-Picture mode. It is also said to include a ‘game dashboard' for gamers. The update also included extending security for lock screen notifications and extending the scope of Companion Device Manager.