Appstem’s Top 6 Takeaways from Google I/O
Google I/O: mobile comes home
Today at Google’s annual I/O developer conference, the search-giant unveiled everything but the kitchen sink, though, knowing Google, they probably have a kitchen sink app in the works as we speak. Google Home, Android N, Google Assistant, Google Daydream, and Android Wear — it’s all here. Let’s dive in.
Amazon scored a hit with Echo, the voice-activated music player that can also tell you the weather when looking out the window becomes too difficult. But Google has had its eye on the home for a long time after gobbling up Nest, and its new Google Home portable speaker can answer your deep questions about life, control your connected lights and thermostat, as well as play music and spew weather updates. Meanwhile, you’ll one day be able to book a car, order dinner, and send flowers to your loved ones, because you care. With all Google does already, it’s hard to see the Echo dominating the home-speaker-always-listening-to-everything-you-say market for much longer.
Voice search is all the rage, and one day your kids will laugh at you for ever typing questions into your phone. By then we’ll all be living in the Matrix anyway, so the point may be moot. Before the machines take over, the new Google Assistant aims to make your voice queries conversational, thanks to Google’s advances in natural language processing. Go ahead and ask the Assistant for movie recommendations or how to stave off the coming cyborg invasion, and Assistant will be there.
Sweet, gooey Nutella: giving Italians diabetes for decades now. The new mobile OS from Google, as previewed two months ago, introduces Vulkan graphics API, file-based encryption, auto updates, SafetyNet which monitors malicious app behavior, a new app switcher, and more multitasking. Android N will also boast a virtual reality mode, taking aim at the Samsung Gear VR, which brings us to…
Google’s naming department may have taken a break on Google Assistant and Google Home, but they pulled out all the stops for “Daydream,” the new virtual reality platform for VR-enabled phones. Whereas the Gear VR is a Samsung-only device, the upcoming Google VR headset, the next evolution of Google Cardboard, will most likely be supported by all upcoming Nexus phones and flagship Android phones, we’re guessing. Because when real life gets too tough, you can always slip into a daydream.
The smartwatch hasn’t exactly taken off, probably because you still need a phone to use one and even Dick Tracy thinks they are a hassle. Google is taking the next step. “As long as your watch has a WiFi, Bluetooth or cellular connection, you’ll be able to make calls, send messages or launch Spotify,” said David Singleton, Google VP of engineering. Thanks Dave. That’s exactly what we wanted in the first place.
Finally, Google unveiled not one but two new apps. First, Allo, a “smart-messaging” app with smart reply build in so you don’t even have to think before you answer. It already knows if you are an LOL or a HaHa type of texter. Also, if you receive a picture of, say, tacos from a friend, Allo will automatically suggest the reply, “I love tacos.” This is GROUNDBREAKING.
Meanwhile, Google wanted its own Facetime, but one that works on cellular or WiFi, fast or slow. Enter Duo, which introduces a Knock Knock feature, so when you receive a Duo call, you can see live video of the caller before you answer. No one makes phone calls anymore, but video chat is increasingly becoming the way to call you parents on their birthdays.
