google i/o event 2014

Google I/O wasn’t an event to be missed but if due to some reason you couldn’t tune into the action, there is nothing to worry at all. As we at IndianWeb2 bring to you a complete list of all the important things that were announced at the conference.

Around 6,000 developers attended 7th annual Google I/O developer conference. The crowd in San Francisco was joined by millions more watching on the livestream and 597 I/O Extended events, in 90+ countries on six continents.

Google estimated that more than 20 billion text messages sent every day. 1.5 trillion steps taken with an Android. And more importantly, a roughly estimated 93 million selfies.

This year Google brought loads of things in Android, apps, new chrome features etc. Sundar Pichai, Senior Vice President of Android, Chrome & apps addresses the event along with and reveal interesting initiatives Google is taking up from this year onwards, this includes few interesting devices and Android wearable gadgets as well.

Below are all major announcements Google made at Google I/O event:

Android One


android one

The annual developer conference started with the announcement of the Android One initiative. It is a program that aims at providing guidelines to those manufacturing Smartphones for the developing market so as to give a unified Android experience.

This initiative allows the internet giant the right to dictate some minimum hardware requirements for manufacturers all around the globe.

Under this initiative, Google has decided to partner with Indian handset-makers Spice, Micromax and Karbonn to launch $100 (Rs.6,000) Smartphones. Some of these Smartphones are expected to be launched in early September.

Android Auto


android-auto

Android Auto is completely voice enabled and has been manufactured so as to help the developers. It does so by creating a seamless and safe solution for using connected devices while driving.

Android Auto works by connecting the driver’s Smartphone to a compatible car, its UI then displays on the car’s screen with quick shortcuts to location searches, navigation and suggestions. It also has a feature which enables the driver to send and receive text messages while driving by using the voice command features.

The Android Auto will be made available to the masses later this year. For this, the tech giant has partnered with over 40 companies which include Porsche and Hyundai.

Bringing work and play together


android-work-office

The tech giant also announced Android for Work program at the I/O event. It is a unique program which lets the app live in one place. It gives a wonderful opportunity to the user to connect his or her work with personal life into one single device.

Microsoft Office editing has become possible in the Google Docs due to Android from Work. Google in addition to this also announced a premium Google Drive for enterprise customers which will offer unlimited storage for $10 per month per use.

L Developer Preview  


The upcoming Android L release supports Material Design which is a new cross platform User Interface. It makes available the app developers with more precise tools so as to make customized typography, color and grid changes.

Material Design makes it possible for designers to add smooth animations at 60 fps using a prototyping tool, Polymer. Further, in order to help the designers in building a consistent feel and look, it has added a guideline.

In order to make developers learn a thing or two about battery life, Google also launched Project Volta. It will help them in identifying battery discharge patterns so as to increase the overall consumption.

With a 64-bit compatibility and a new Android Extension Pack to back 3D graphics, Google openly boosted about the L’s enhanced performance. Google has also ensured the best of security for L.

Android Wear


android-wear-sdk

Google demonstrated its Android Wear at the Google I/O event. Users can swipe across Google Now Cards and supported applications from the paired Smartphone by using its touchscreen User Interface.

In order to create reminders, notes, alarms and more, the users can make use of the “Ok Google” prompt. Material design is also in attendance in this wearable platform.

A wearable counterpart is installed on the Smartwatch whenever the user installs an app from the Play store on their Smartphone. This is ensures that all the features are synced immediately.

The Moto360, LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live are some of the Android Wear equipped products. Out of these, Samsung and LG are currently available in the Play store.

Google Cloud

google-cloud-platform

Google also announced improvements to its Google Cloud engine. Developers can debug a live application which is running on hundred of servers using this platform. In addition, they can also set alerts or reminders to monitor performance of various events.

Appurify, which is a mobile test automation service, has been acquired by Google in order to optimize app testing and building.

The tech giant also introduced Cloud Dataflow, which will let the user create data pipelines for ingesting large data sets.

Android TV

android-tv

Putting all the rumors to rest, Google finally unveiled its Android TV. Google with its Android TV has tried to combine all entertainment into one device. The TV lets the user watch live TV or stream content like cast information and related YouTube clips. The TV also promises a fluid search experience to the user.

The Android TV will be a joyride for casual gamers. Google supports games on the new TV and this gives the gamers a great chance to engage in their favorite mobile games on the big television screen.

Chromebook gets Android Apps

Now you can unlock Chromebooks with the help of your phone, this feature is similar to the new L update which permits the user to unlock their phone when using context and location.

To provide its users with a continuous experience, Android will now be sending notifications directly to the Chromebooks. Some selected Android apps have been made compatible on the Chromebook.

Google Play

Google Play now has a Games Profile feature with the saved games section. The section will have a screencap of the user’s game progress and leader boards. In order to encourage the gamers to set goals, it now has “Quests”.

Users will now be able to have a direct carrier billing for tablets which will let them charge everything at one place.

Chromecast Update


The much needed Chromecast update is here. Now, you no longer have to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast content to Chromecast. You can search the nearby devices and connect via the cloud.

A backdrop feature has also been added which permits background photo customization by drawing photos from the user’s library.

Google Fit


google-fit-platform

The conference also saw the launch of Google Fit. It is an open, multi-OS API platform for fitness related apps and devices. Google Fit is very similar to the recently announced Apple’s HealthKit.

Google Fit assembles all of the user’s fitness data into one single place. Google Fit has partners in  Withings, Adidas and Nike.
Advertisements

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
Like this content? Sign up for our daily newsletter to get latest updates.