Google I/O is an annual conference where the tech giant lays out a roadmap of things to come within the year. If it’s a rumor about anything Google, it’s definitely going to be discussed at this event. This year’s conference has just finished with as much excitement as you would expect.
This year’s I/O introduced some pretty nifty stuff from its big think tank at Silicon Valley. Yes, the conference can get pretty technical–it is, after all, an event for software developers. There are a lot of cool things to expect from Google. Some are focused on emerging countries like the Philippines where Internet connection isn’t up to par (in terms of speed, reliability, and price) with the global standard. Here are the seven things you’d want to know and keep an eye out.
Android M
It won’t be a Google event without its upcoming update for Android, right? Like “Android L” (revealed to be Lollipop), Android M is coming pretty soon. Of course the Nexus and Android One devices will be the first devices to get it. For now, Google will revamp app permissions, making them an “if it’s important for you to approve, I’ll let you know” kind of thing. Android M will also allow apps to link with other apps easily. An example is when you’re on your browser and you tap on a Twitter link, it will automatically open Twitter for you without a fuss.
Google Photos Revamped
Sure, you have a Gallery app pre-built in your smartphone, but Google’s Photos app has a very tasty offering: unlimited photo and video storage. Yes, that’s right, unlimited. All your food snaps, your selfies, and your Vines will now be stored in your own cloud of unlimited storage capacity (maximum of 16MP for photos and 1080p for video). You can also choose how to arrange them: via timeline or via specialized advanced auto-tagging groups. You don’t even have to wait; it’s available now!
Offline Chrome and Maps
Announced for countries that don’t have stable Internet yet, Google’s offline options for Chrome and Maps comes as a godsend to our Internet-starved country. Pages will load faster even on not-so-stellar connections. YouTube videos can be marked for offline viewing (available now). Google Maps will allow a few features to run offline, like autocompleting search entries and even turn-by-turn instructions.
Now on Tap
Google’s version of Siri, Google Now, is getting a great quality of life upgrade in Now on Tap. It runs all relevant information on your current activity which you can bring it up by long-pressing the Home button on your smartphone. If you’re sending a message about grocery shopping and meeting up for a movie, Now on Tap can be set to let you enter a to-do item list and give you YouTube trailers, ratings, and even which movies are screening.
Google’s in the house
We’re excited about the Internet of Things. Google’s Project Brillo and Weave are coming soon to a smart home near you. This duo automates your home into your smartphone. Brillo is the operating system handling the heavy lifting, while Weave will be the one that will make all your smart devices talk the same language. Google hopes to have one universal OS and language that is available for any and all smart home appliances, from TVs to light bulbs, to coffee makers. Google hopes to allow users to easily connect and maintain these devices with minimal tech know-how.
Google Cardboard for iPhones
Sharing is caring, and Google’s new version of Cardboard not only accommodates Android phablets, but will be compatible with iOS. The Cardboard app is already available to everyone via Apple’s App Store and the Play Store. Google Cardboard is a piece of cardboard that you can fold into goggles that holds your smartphone in place. The set emulates virtual reality akin to the Oculus. Slip it over your eyes and you’re off on a virtual reality adventure!
Project Ara Update
Part Frankenstein’s Monster, part dream smartphone. Project Ara is Google’s modular smartphone project that has individual components, like cameras, batteries, speakers, processors, display screens, etc. They can be swapped in and out without purchasing a totally new smartphone. At this year’s I/O, Google’s Rafa Camargo had a working unit with him, demonstrating how one can slide components onto a frame, and even took a photo of the audience. It actually works!
