Google I/O Recap

Image Credit: Google Developers on Google+

So as you may all know, Google I/O has come and gone. It ended about a week ago and there are still ripples in the blogosphere from initial contact. This year's event was marked by a significantly different approach to the android platform. With the preview of the upcoming version of android (to be released in the fall, more on that later) came Android Wear, Android TV, Android Auto and the one design language that unifies them all, Material design. This alongside some new features for your Chromecast  sum up the bulk of the event.

Android L

The developer preview seemed very nice while up on stage, we've actually gotten some hands on time with it and we will be sharing impressions really soon. Though you can see that some of the changes are already present in the preview, it is a developer preview not meant for daily use.

Android Wear

The demos on stage were pretty great but not without their shortcomings. Android wear seems like a very viable wearable option based on its capabilities and what the presenters had to show off. Expect a full review in the coming weeks, along with a review of the LG G watch.

Android TV

Google's new vision for the living room seems to have a fresh perspective of what android should look like with a "ten foot experience". You will be able to cast to it, and it should be built into a TV near you.

Android Auto

Plenty of automotive partners from Acura to Volvo, have signed up to release vehicles equipped with the in-car software system by 2015. Designed to give you access to your phone’s more crucial on the road needs such as navigation, messaging, calls, and music via voice and steering wheel controls. You can see the video by Android Developers here.

Material Design

The visual language that all of the aforementioned renditions of Android will use to offer a seamless transition from tablet to phone, to car, to watch, to even your TV until your day ends, and it starts all over again. Based on a more intuitive interface built to behave the way we expect it to. You can see it’s introductory video here.

Chromecast

This little 35 dollar dongle is in my opinion very much like the gift that keeps on giving. At I/O they announced that one wouldn’t have to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast to the device (avoiding the awkward password hand-off between friends and acquaintances). It will also be receiving new features, such as mirroring for Android devices, which we have all been waiting for, along with a not so expected but still very welcomed options to use your own photos, and display other relevant information. Another nice little tidbit is a feature that allows you to search on your phone for what is currently visible on your screen.

Wrap-up

There has been a great number of announcements and all but android wear is being released “in the fall”. We will be offering more extensive coverage on all the listed software and products as we get our hands on it.

Sources:

Image Credit :  Google Developers on Google+

Google I/O: Keynote