At around 12pm ET today (9am PT) the 2013 Google I/O keynote session will take place. Speculations and rumors are already mounting as leaked photos and specs have indicated that Google has some interesting technology cooking up in its labs. Already videos and beta testers have streamed their footage and posted their pics from Google’s Project Glass, the innovative eyewear that allows the user to pretty much do anything a smartphone or laptop can do only without the use of the user’s hands. And there’s likely much more in store from the search engine giant. Take a look at what you can expect from Google I/O and watch the Google I/O live stream below.

Google Maps Update

Already this morning another leak has proven to slip through the fingers of Google engineers. The fan site and tech blog 9to5Google indicates that Google Maps is likely to be getting an interface lift (see what I did there?). Last week similar rumors surfaced but without confirmation from anyone even near Google, it was hard to say whether the gossip held any validity.

The screenshots indicate that Maps could be adding a new flight search feature, an updated Earth view, and even underwater views. Apparently Google has removed the screenshots from their own sites and devices but courtesy of 9t05Google, we have them right here.

Google Glass

Google Glass has probably garnered the most attention leading up to today’s I/O and it may also be the most controversial. Google employees have posted to Twitter while driving, which could be dangerous and may possibly need to be regulated much the way texting does. However, Google Glass affords the user the opportunity to all a smartphone can without having to really use hands.

A Huffington Post article yesterday notes the insecurity of those around a Google Glass user, as they can discreetly take snapshots of whatever they want without so much as a single person noticing. An app has already been created that lets the user take pics by simply blinking or, rather, winking. Sounds creepy enough but I’m still curious to see how Google will market the device. You might remember last year Sergey unveiled Google Glass through an awesome live feed skydiving video.

Nexus 7

Google’s flagship tablet likewise is in store for an upgrade. One of the better tablets on the market, the original Nexus 7 hit the ground running at last year’s I/O, debuting to high. A price that undercuts the competition certainly helps, going for only $199 which is unlikely to change for the next-generation Nexus 7. Consider this: right now an iPad with Retina Display and 16GB of storage goes for $499 on its website.

Smartwatch

Earlier this week it was hinted that Google may also debut a smartwatch this afternoon. The time-telling device is supposedly made in collaboration with Motorola and will operate on some form of Android. The patent for such a device was dug up on Monday so its certainly likely for Google to be creating the gadget, though its uncertain whether the venue for its release will be today. It allegedly still has some kinks to iron out, the biggest being that it “”Still needs tethering. It’s not a standalone device yet. It needs to be tethered to a smartphone.” Stay tuned.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is despite the rumors, gossip, speculation, and predictions, Google probably won’t let down its loyal audience. Even if none of the aforementioned gadgets make an appearance, something by Google will be presented that will add convenience, aesthetics, and overall user-friendliness to their devices already in play. So let’s turn the floor over to you and hear what you have to say. What are you hoping makes an appearance at the Google I/O today? Do you have any more rumors you’d like to throw into the mill? Would you shell out the cash for a pair of Google Glass specs? Drop your knowledge on us in the comments section below.

Check out our Live Stream of Google I/O 2013: