Google LLC’s annual I/O developer conference starts Tuesday, when it’s expected that the Alphabet Inc.-owned search engine giant will launch a range of new midrange smartphones as well as new “internet of things” devices and a new version of Google Assistant.

Leading the list is what’s expected to be the official launch of the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, both smartphone contenders that will compete directly with Apple Inc.’s iPhone XR and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Galaxy S10e.

First teased by Google April 16, the Pixel 3a screen is expected to come in at 5.6 inches, with the XL version measuring six inches. Under the hood, the phones are rumored to be have a Snapdragon 670 coupled with 4 gigabytes of memory, a 2915-milliamp-hour battery, a 12-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

Some rumors suggest the XL version may be powered by a Snapdragon 710, however. Pricing is said to be under $600 and possibly between $400 and $500, providing a potential to capture more mainstream consumers who can’t afford or don’t want to pay for flagship devices that can top $1,000.

Next on the speculation list is a new Nest Hub Max, an IoT smart home device. According to 9to5Google, the new device is described as a larger version of the Google Home with a built-in camera for calls on Google’s Duo, a service launched in 2016 that’s similar to Apple Inc.’s Facetime.

The Nest Hub Max is said to include a 10.1-inch LCD display with 1280×800 at 150ppi resolution, Amlogic T931 system-on-chip, 2GB of RAM, a 12MP Sony IMX277 “Nest” camera and stereo speakers.

The latest version of Android Q, released in beta in March, will undoubtedly be covered at I/O. Reports suggest that Google will announce a revamped sharing menu, a native screen recorder and perhaps even a desktop mode similar to Samsung’s DeX and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.’s custom EMUI implementation of Android that also has a desktop mode.

More details are also expected on Google Stadia, a cloud gaming service powered by custom AMD chips first announced March 19.

A new version of Google Assistant is also likely in the cards Tuesday. What exactly that will entail is not clear, but Google traditionally makes an announcement about a new, upgraded version of Assistant at I/O.

Also possibly on the list of announcements at the event is an upgraded version of Android Automotive, Google’s Android version for cars; a Chrome OS update; possibly an update  of Wear OS, Google’s operating system for smartwatches; ARCore and Daydream virtual reality news; and an Android TV update.

The event is being held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, a couple of stone’s throws from the Googleplex, Google’s headquarters. It starts Tuesday and runs through Thursday.

Photo: pestoverde/Flickr