Interesting takeaways from Google I/O 2016

Two weeks ago, it was time yet again for Google I/O, Google’s annual conference for developers. The tech world was eagerly looking forward to see what new developments would be announced. In this blog post, I’d like to take you back to Mountain View, California and discuss a few interesting takeaways from this important event, organised by one of the world’s largest tech giants.Google, once started as a Internet search engine, over time developed into one of the most innovative tech companies in the world. Gmail, Android, Google Maps, Chromecast – just a few of Google’s well-known products that not only influenced but also shaped modern-day technology. In line with Facebook’s F8, Apple’s WWDC or Microsoft’s Build, at I/O, Google too happily shares their biggest developments and processes with the ever so important community of developers. At Testbirds, we aim to stay on top of all these important developments within the tech industry. Something that inspired us to bring Testing 4.0 to you. So, let’s dive straight into what Google will bring us in the near future.

Google Home

Source: Google HomeWe see that a lot more connected devices are making their way into our homes, especially with the emerging Internet of Things. Whether it’s a baby monitor, tooth brush, or refrigerator, we also see this happening with the different testing projects that we’re conducting for our clients. At I/O, Google Home was presented, a smart connected hub for your home. Via voice commands and with Google Assistant, Google Home is able to interact with all kinds of smart devices and provides your with answers to your questions and requests. That way, you could for example (voice) control the lights, temperature and the radio within your home, but also ask for the weather, current events and more. All from one device.

Android N

In addition to some of the announcements that Google already made during a special Android developer preview event in March, there weren’t too many surprising things that were presented during I/O. So, what changes can we see with regards to the upcoming mobile OS? First, the JIT compiler works much faster, up to 75%, and it also reduces the space that is needed for app installs. Furthermore, multi-tasking is improved with app management (automatically shutting down open apps that aren’t actively used), split screen capabilities, and possibly the most interesting development: Daydream. And by the way, if you want to have your say in what the N should stand for, you can go right ahead.

Daydream

Daydream is Google’s virtual reality platform and is meant to make mobile virtual reality more accessible. Daydream is built on top of Android N with a special setting called VR Mode. This will serve as the basis for new VR apps and VR devices. Google created reference designs for developers and also announced a special section within its Google Play Store. New Daydream-ready devices are expected later this year.

Android on Chrome OS

Chrome OS is Google’s operating system, that’s being used for dedicated netbooks, such as the Chromebook Pixel. Google now announced that it will now be possible to install Android apps on Chrome OS. It was also mentioned that Chrome OS now is the second most popular OS in the USA, for the first time outselling Apple’s Mac OS in terms of shipments. An interesting development and I’m curious to see where this will be going.

Android Instant Apps

Source: CNET

Another major announcement that was done during I/O, was Android Instant Apps. With these, users are able to use apps without having to install them directly onto their device. Instead, when you receive a link to content that’s stored within an app, Instant Apps makes sure that only the required pieces of the app are downloaded and displayed. When you’re done with the content and move out of the app, the downloaded pieces are removed from your device. This is an interesting approach to apps, removing the hassle and troubles of searching and installing an app.

Project Tango

Source: Project Tango

Project Tango is not fully developed yet, but this presentation is very impressive and is one I definitely wanted to share with you. As you can see in the Project Tango combines 3D motion tracking with depth sensing to give your mobile device the ability to know where it is and how it moves through space. By making use of special sensors, the device can very precisely calculate where it’s positioned in relation to its surroundings. The capabilities of the device are thus extended far beyond the screen. This technology greatly enhances and optimises the possibilities with augmented and virtual

Project Soli

Source: The Verge

Another Google project that I’m really excited about is Project Soli. This project utilises radar technology in order to detect the smallest of motions. This makes it possible to use micro gestures with your fingers to initiate virtual actions. Sounds vague, but check out the clip below to learn more about this innovative technology. If this will be implemented in our everyday devices, it changes user experience immensely and the way we interact with are only a few of the things that Google announced and presented during I/O. And then I haven’t even mentioned Allo, Duo, Android Wear, Project Ara and many other innovations that they’re working on. Which announcements did you find interesting?