In a statement Google said:
“Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event”.
The company said it would refund attendees by 13 March.
That the ‘physical event’ is cancelled implies Google will still make announcements online and could possibly hold webinar sessions for developers. I/O is usually where Google shows off its latest version of Android to get developers implementing its new features into their apps, products and services.
In 2019, Google also announced the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, two excellent mid-range phones. It is widely expected that I/O 2020 would have seen the unveiling of the Pixel 4a line.
Other updates were also possible for products like Google Nest, the product line formerly (and confusingly) known as Google Home.
The cancellation follows Mobile World Congress and Facebook F8 being called off due to coronavirus fears.
Henry is Tech Advisor’s Phones Editor, ensuring he and the team covers and reviews every smartphone worth knowing about for readers and viewers all over the world. He spends a lot of time moving between different handsets and shouting at WhatsApp to support multiple devices at once.
