Google I/O 2016 has announced an array of products expected to make their mark this year. The internet giant expects to have a strong footing in user interface.
Google Assistant
No doubt Google has decided to take on Apple this time, with a significant move into artificial intelligence via Google Assistant. Not to forget that Microsoft has its cross-platform Cortana, working on iOS, Android and Windows.
Google's CEO Sundar Pichai introduced this language processing platform that provides a two-way dialogue with Google. In his demo, he did a search about 'The Revenant' that went on to show reviews and options to buy tickets.
Google Home
It is a Bluetooth-powered tabletop speaker that lets the user stream multimedia content to a linked display since it supports Google Cast. It can answer questions via Google search.
Reminders and timers can be set with Google Home, making its name more meaningful. It also recognises multiple voices and the user can customise colors.
If all these ring a bell, rewind to 2014: Amazon launches the Echo, the voice-enabled device with Alexa inside, which has most of the above features.
Mario Queiroz, vice president of product management at Google, introduces Google Home. Photo: Reuters
Allo
Allo is a messaging app that has it all. It has the Google Assistant built in, so you can chat with a friend and do a Google search at the same time.
The app recognises pictures, make reservations for restaurants and contains stickers and emojis. But all this will be learnt by the app over time, taking its cues from various chat apps and rolling them into one neat little package.
Duo
Smartphones are getting smarter apps day by day. But this one takes the cake. Duo is a video chatting app that lets both the parties see each other before even answering your calls.
Android N
Neyyappam? Nachos? Nutella? Noodles? What will the next OS be named? Always with a sweet tooth, Google had named its previous Android versions Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice-cream Sandwich, Jellybean, Kit Kat, and the latest one, Marshmallow. Google is now accepting naming ideas from its users. Those interested in naming this version can head over to https://www.android.com/versions/name-n/
My entry was 'Nutella,' of course. What's yours? Many compatriots are trying to convince Sundar Pichai to name the next version as Neyyappam with a #Neyyappam hashtag!
Daydream
Virtual reality on Android? No longer just a dream. Android N comes with a VR mode. It has a headset and a program for developers to create VR content and experiences, and a remote control. Enclosing the user in a virtual world, the demo at the I/O conference showed a drumset that can be virtually used. Microsoft is also working on Hololens, which is more of an augmented reality, meaning the UI will blend in with the real room. Fascinating!
Android wear 2.0
We can now use apps on our smartwatch, play games, attend calls and so on. But the 2.0 goes a bit forward with the phone not needed nearby. It just needs a Wi-Fi connection.The second best part about the update is that Google is giving two keyboards, one with handwriting and a full-fledged keyboard. It also has the Smart Reply option which provides contextual responses to incoming messages. At present, only third-party apps help in typing replies. But who in their sane minds want to swipe and type on a < 2 inch display anyway?
Studio 2.2
Google's app development platform, Android Studio, which was used to create 92% ofthe top 125 Android apps, gets a number of changes in the 2.2 version. This update mainly focuses on faster app creation. The platform includes a portfolio of new features , ranging from UI designs to newer ways in app debugging.
Android instant apps
This is probably the best of all updates released at this conference. Instant apps is exactly what is sounds like. Users can use apps without even installing it. On a browser, Google Play runs the app with just a click. Like portable apps for windows machines.This lets anyone with a slow connection use apps when in need. For example, someone sends you a story they find interesting in a popular magazine app. You don't have the app, but you want to see it. Now this feature helps you load the content in the app, even though its not installed. Hologram like? You decide. Google certainly topped our expectations with this one.
All in all, Google is really pushing it this time to gain a stronger and larger user base for its Operating system, and is leaving no stone unturned in that effort.
