Here’s What to Expect at Google’s Big Summer Event
Photo: Associated Press
A new version of Android. Google in your car. Controlling your home via smartphone. These are just a few of the things we expect to learn more about during Google’s annual I/O developer conference later this week.
The festivities start Thursday, May 28, with a keynote speech from Google senior vice president of products Sundar Pichai. At the conference, we should learn about everything the company has been working on over the past year, as well as its plans for the near future.
In previous years, I/O has included everything from self-driving cars to the introduction of the company’s ill-fated Google Glass to a live skydiving demonstration. Win or lose, you’re gonna want to tune in.
Need something to hold you over until then? Check out our list of the top announcements we expect to hear at Google’s big event.
Android M
Every year at I/O, Google introduces a new version of its Android mobile operating system. Last year we got our first look at Android L; this year will likely bring us Android M.
So far, not too much is known about Android M. It will likely include performance and battery life improvements. We may also see Google’s new Photos app, which the company spun off from the Photos section of Google+. The smartphone app is essentially identical to the Google+ version, but it will offer updated editing capabilities and improved navigation.
According to BuzzFeed, Android M will also include native fingerprint reader support, something that Apple’s iOS has supported since the release of the iPhone 5s. That means you’ll get easy one-touch log-in for supported apps.
Built-in fingerprint reader support would also improve security for mobile payments. Speaking of which…
Android Pay
Google’s Pichai announced Android Pay back in March at the Mobile World Congress convention in Spain, which means it’s about time for an update on the service.
Android Pay isn’t an app like Apple’s Apple Pay; Google already has that in the form of Google Wallet. Instead, Android Pay is a way for developers to build mobile payment capabilities into their own apps, giving you the ability to pay for items from within an app. It will also allow you to make purchases at brick-and-mortar stores using your phone’s near-field communication (NFC) chip.
Brillo
No, we’re not talking about the pads you use to clean your dishes. Brillo, according to The Information and Fortune, is a new operating system for “connected devices” that Google will debut at I/O.
The OS will give Google the ability to provide a single platform through which all of your smart home devices can talk to each other –– so your refrigerator, for example, would be able to communicate with your oven. The idea is to give developers and companies an easier way to tie together their various smart products.
You’ve probably heard of this concept referred to as the Internet of Things, or IoT. The current problem is that many IoT devices run on different pieces of software, making it difficult for them to communicate with each other.
Brillo, like Apple’s HomeKit, would hypothetically help eliminate such problems. So, for instance, your smart door lock would be able to talk to your smart lightbulb, telling it to turn on when you unlock your front door.
Android Wear
Last year, Google debuted its Android Wear software for wearable devices like smartwatches. The only problem (besides mediocre reviews) was that the software could only be run via Android devices.
That’s expected to change this year. It’s rumored Android Wear will gain compatibility with iOS devices. If that’s true, you could soon use an Android Wear watch with an iPhone 6.
That would give Android Wear devices a significant leg up on the Apple Watch, which can only be used with iOS devices. The only thing Google would have to do after that is give people a reason to buy an Android Wear watch.
Android Auto
Along with Android Wear, Google is expected to give an update to Android Auto, its vehicle-based software.
Android Auto lets you run Google apps through your smartphone on your car’s dashboard screen. So, if your car supports it, you could plug your phone into your car and navigate via Google Maps on your infotainment system.
Hyundai recently announced that it will be the first automaker to offer a car with Android Auto preinstalled; Google is likely to announce more car companies whose vehicles will carry Android Auto.
There’s a good chance we’ll also hear about a variety of new apps for Android Auto beyond the few messaging and music-streaming apps currently available for the service. Just don’t expect to play “Candy Crush Saga” from behind the wheel.
Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley or on Google+.
