Google I/O 2016, a three day event which is full of demos, teasers and announcements completed successfully. The Search Engine Company announced various products which they have been working on for days.
Although exact availability of those products was not known, expectation is that they may roll out by the end of the year. Here are some of the Interesting announcements made by Google in the mega event.
- Daydream-Google’s new VR platform
Google had announced Daydream which is a mobile Virtual Reality Platform designed for future. It is very much like the Android for Virtual Reality. VR Mode is the main unit of the software inside Android N. It will be creating an eco-system having a home screen featured with Android apps. Presently Google made a particular VR version using its Apps like Play Store, Google photos and YouTube.
Major companies such as The New York Times, HBO, Netflix, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts started developing their Daydream as well. The Main limitation of Daydream seems to be that it can’t work on the existing phones instead work only on new smartphone model having special screens and sensors. Google stated that the new mobiles which support Daydream would be available by fall and also be planning to release reference designs for other mobile manufacturers like HTC, Huawei, Samsung and LG.
- Prototype of VR headset
Google had shown their reference design for a smartphone powered VR headset. The design resembles a smaller cordless Oculus Rift in looks and has a motion controller with a touchpad. The search Engine Company is using the same approach for VR which they used in the case of Android.
It seems like the VR headset would be designed by keeping their VR Platform Daydream in mind. It would be comparatively cheaper and affordable than the existing VR devices.
Watch Google I/O 2016 Keynote Live on YouTube in Virtual Reality
- Google’s new messaging app
- Allo – A Instant social messaging application
Google is all set to launch another new instant messaging application paired with Artificial Intelligence. The chat application is named as which works only on mobiles. To use the app, a sign up with phone number is necessary and it has the option of connecting it to one’s Google account. It is featured with all traditional messaging features like emojis, custom stickers.
The unique features of Allo include a special Virtual Assistant which can generate Auto replies and provide users the information they need. The font size of the messages can be increased/decreased upon user’s choice. Allo also had the features like incognito mode, encrypting messages end-to-end which increases the privacy and security for the user’s data.
- Duo – A Video Chat Application
It seems like Google is following the footsteps of another Tech giant Apple in the case of Chat applications. Allo and Duo are similar to Apple’s I message and Facetime. Duo is strictly video chatting Application, which is very simple to use.
The Application works only for mobile and the signup process is similar to Allo. One of the most distinguishing features of Duo is that it can show the previews of you to whom you are calling. This unique feature of the Application is called ‘Knock Knock’. Duo will be available for both Android and IOS users by this summer.
- Google Home
Google had announced its new home assistant called Google Home, a small device with inbuilt microphones having the ability of continuous listening. The main functionality of the home assistant is to respond to the queries and execute commands.
It relies on the Google Assistant technology for the functioning and operations. It can be said as the nearest Rival of Amazon’s Echo.
Home is built basing on the standards of Chrome cast, which enables the media transfer to other compatible speakers and screens. It can change temperature or lighting through Nest devices, and can be integrated with services like Spotify.
Presently Home is still in the developing stage and the company didn’t opened its API to developers yet, so no other information is known about it and official information will be out as the platform develops.
GOOGLE I/O 2016 APP ROLLED OUT ON PLAY STORE
- Google’s New Smarter Chat Assistant
Sundar Pichai, Google CEO started the proceedings of the I/O Event by demonstrating next generation Google Assistant.
It would be more like a Chatting Application rather than the present search-based Assistant Google Now. He staged the assistant’s ability to understand the context by asking questions like what movies were playing tonight, Saying that he wanted to bring the kids, and then buying tickets, all within the app. It gives the same feeling of speaking to a human.
The standalone version which is integrated with Artificial Intelligence that’s coming to both Home and Allo. He also added that “they see the future of computing as an ambient experience that extends beyond devices.”
- Android N
We got our first look at Android N’s developer version preview in March. It will be featuring with a new split-screen option, multitasking, quick settings buttons, and a set of new emojis. Direct reply for bundled notifications is enabled.
Google released a newer beta version and showed even more of the new operating system. These new features have more control over the sizes of the notifications coming from different apps.
It also showed off a new picture-in-picture mode. The battery optimizations in Android N would make it a better platform for gaming.
Developers can directly access and control phone’s GPU for sharper 3D graphics using a new API called Vulkan. However, the search engine giant had declined to reveal the name of their new OS.
- Android Wear 2.0
Google also announced the biggest advancement to Android Wear till date. The first version was released way back in 2014. Android Wear 2.0 was similar to its earlier version but having a few changes which would change the way one experience it.
One of the updates is that users can now make data from any app show up on any watch which is quite similar to how complications work on the Apple Watch.
Another important updated feature of the new version makes your smartwatch autonomous by relying less on mobile connections. This feature comforts users by lessening the carrying the cell phones all around. The other major updates include a swipeable QWERTY keyboard, Auto exercise recognition and synchronisations using a third party application.
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- Google Auto
Google along with major announcements also made some slow-but-steady updations for drivers. One of such major improvement is including the big traffic tracking application Waze directly into the Android Auto, which enables drivers to notice speed traps. Reduction of accidents can be made by following the alerts in real time. The wired USB connection which is required for connecting cars over Wi-Fi is replaced by a new Auto Scan option.
After upgrading to the newer Android N more new back-end features would be updated this will make life easier for automakers to create their own unique flavours of N. This latest version of Auto can work on the cars which doesn’t support the system. The new side of the app is designed in a way that it can be used itself on the phone.
- Instant Applications
Many of the users install an app but soon uninstall them due to poor performance or irrelevant content. Google now brought a new option for users who are not willing to download an app for one-time usage.
Naming as the Google’s Instant Apps allows users to access an app straight from the browser without prior installation. The search engine company demoed it at the mega event where it was able to find a camera, access a B&H instant app, and make a purchase in just three taps.
This new announcement received a mixed response since developers may have to work very hard for getting more number of downloads and from the user perspective it will be very beneficial because it may save data and storage capacity of the device.