The IT Nerd

Google I/O is Google’s developer conference and it started today with the usual keynote address. A lot was announced. But I will cover the key things that you need to know. So let’s get right to it.

• Google started off with a demo of its new Assistant feature. Think Siri but from Google. Google gave a demo of how the assistant would respond to requests like searching for movie tickets, checking calendars, etc, and it did so mostly by showing off the feature built-in to Google search in various places. It will also be brought to various devices like phones, smartwatches, etc. Here’s a video of it in action:

• Google also introduced Google Home. Think Amazon Echo but from Google. It is a standalone Wi-Fi speaker that also lets you tap into the new Assistant feature using voice commands. You can start playing music, get directions, or check your calendar using only your voice.

• Coming soon to iOS and Android is Google’s new Allo and Duo apps. Allo is a messaging app that puts a focus on expressive emojis and built-in Assistant features, while Duo is a rather straight forward video messaging app that Google said focuses on reliability. Here’s a video of the latter:

• Android Wear version 2.0 has been redesigned with a focus on more customisable watch faces, fitness and messaging. Plus Google has been working on ways to make sure you don’t need your phone when you go running, or want to track your hikes. Preview images are now available to download for both the Huawei Watch and LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition. Use at your own risk of course as this is pre-release software.

• Android Pay which competes with Apple Pay launched in the UK today. But Google also announced new features for its contactless payment solution and the ability to use a phone to withdraw money from Bank of America ATMs. Top that Apple!
• Finally, Android users will get the chance to name Android N. Seeing as they like food names, how about Nutmeg? Oh Developer Preview 3 of Android N dropped today. If you like using pre-release software and don’t mind the risks that go with that, download the factory images now. Major additions include virtual reality and sustained performance modes, but Developer Preview 3 also squashes several bugs and adds many new features for developers and users alike.

This entry was posted on May 18, 2016 at 8:30 pm and is filed under Commentary with tags Google. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.