I/O is Google’s annual developer conference that started in 2008 with a focus on Chrome OS, Android and Google APIs. Google I/O 2014 was held on June 25–26th at the Moscone Center, San Francisco.
Before we look at this year, let’s recap last year’s highlights.
I/O 2013
- Google Hangouts.
- Google+ photos with automatic GIF Maker.
- Google+ photos, 15GB storage with Auto enhance feature.
- New Google Maps for desktop.
- Google Play Music.
- Google Glass.
I/O 2014
This year, Google revealed plans for the next year, highlights included:
Lets start with Android Wear.
Android Wear
From March 18th, developers had access to the preview Wear SDK that included limited features and an emulator. We covered this preview in two hands on tutorials, Part1 and Part2. Three months later, the full Android Wear SDK has been announced with the following features:
- A simple, uncluttered design on hardware.
- Devices are controlled by vertical and horizontal swiping.
- Voice controlled devices.
- Devices will recognize your current location and send notifications based on it.
- The LG Gwatch and Samsung Gear wearable devices are available now.
Android ‘L’
Google took the opportunity to announce the features that will make the next version of Android, but not yet its full name. Destined for release in Autumn / Fall, much of the focus is on design and layout changes and integration with other Android devices / platforms.
- Design changes aim to increase the usage or card style layouts and personalization. Dubbed Material Design, it’s not a return to skeuomorphism, but a further move to simplify and optimize the mobile experience.
- A new ‘leanback’ support library that will allow developers to design simpler living room apps and console-style games. Ideal for Android TV.
- Battery handling and life improvements through improved services and apps, under the umbrella term, ‘Project Volta’.
Android Auto
Director of Android Partner Engineering, Patrick Brady announced Android Auto. It extends the display and interaction with your phone straight into your (compatible) car.
Some features announced so far:
- It works by plugging your Android device into a car, no wireless support yet.
- Finding and playing music on your car stereo.
- Voice control.
- Larger buttons for easy operation.
- Google Maps support.
- The Open Automotive Alliance includes 28 different car makers.
- Stated to be on sale before the end of the year.
Android TV
Google’s Engineering Director, Dave Burke announced Android TV to bring Android capabilities to your living room. Google has tried several TV based enterprises, not always with success, but this more integrated approach shows promise.
Features include:
- Google Knowledge Graph enabled, which has the potential to replace old-fashioned TV ratings.
- Search and watch apps, games and content on your TV. At least in the Google Play ecosystem (for now).
- Voice search enabled that will allow users to find results based not only on title, but by subject, year etc.
- Multiplayer games between Android TV and other Android devices.
- Chromecast has been potentiality rebranded to ‘Google Cast’, but the ability to ‘cast’ your phone to your TV remains.
- Sony and Sharp will be releasing supported devices next year.
Chromecast
Chromecast Director of Product Management, Rishi Chandra announced new Chromecast features:
- Sharing content with a TV on a different Wi-Fi network is now possible.
- A TV can be turned into a digital photo frame with when it is not being used.
- Chromecast will be able to mirror your phone screen on a TV.
Google Play Services 5.0
Google announced an improved edition of Google Play Services with some of the following features:
- Wallet: A new ‘Save a Wallet’ button allows users to receive offers directly into developers’ applications.
- Support for Android Wear: Simple integration of apps with Android Wear.
- Drive: Creating offline folders, sorting query results and more.
- App Indexing API: Application level indexing of your content to drive deeper user engagement.
- Mobile Advertising: Improved in-app purchasing and ad support.
- Security: A dynamic security provider for delivery of security patches more regular without the need for large updates.
- Google Cast: enable closed-caption support for Chromecast using media tracks.
- Analytics: Insights into the full user journey in your apps.
Google Fit
Fit is considered as a competitor to Apple’s new health tracking system, Health Kit. In much the same ways, it will give users a facility to view, aggregate and control their fitness data.
What Did Attendees Receive?
In 2013, attendees of I/O received a Chromebook Pixel. This year being the year of wearable devices, the freebies were Android Wear powered smartwatches, a choice between LG and Samsung smartwatches, as well as the Motorola 360 once that device has been released.
Other Interesting Announcements
The images below list some other interesting announcements from Google I/O. These were announced by Sundar Pichai, Google’s senior vice president:
What Has the Search Giant Missed?
Last year, Google I/O focused on Google Glass and Plus. This year Google largely ignored both of these platforms and squarely shifted focus towards Android.
Google is expanding its market with the Android Platform, we can expect many similar announcements in the next year, what are you expecting or hoping to see?
Amit DiwanAmit Diwan is a founder at Studyopedia, who has taught more than a million engineers and professionals on the following technologies: Python, Java, Android, WordPress, Drupal, Magento, JavaScript, jQuery, HTML5, Bootstrap 4, etc.
