Android N, virtual reality, Google Home: the most important news from the Google developer fair I/O at a glance
The search engine giant presented a whole host of exciting innovations at the annual Google I/O developer conference. From new software to new devices, everything was there. We present the most important ones.
Google I/O is primarily aimed at developers. A large part of the conference therefore revolves around new developer tools and the like. Not very exciting for non-programming gadget nerds. More interesting, however, are the new apps and devices that Google had in store. An overview:
Android N gets faster and more practical
The latest version of Google's mobile operating system still doesn't have a name, but users can make their own suggestions. As it has always been dessert names so far, my suggestion would be: Nam nam nam. Clever or?
But what does the new Android N, which is due to be released this summer, have to offer? Most of it has been known since the first preview version, which developers and those keen to experiment (me) were able to install months ago. Android version 7.0 offers Multi Window, direct replies in notifications, grouped notifications and new emojis. The overview of recently used apps is now limited to the last seven. There is also a picture-in-picture function, but only for Android TV.
Doze and Svelte are two power-saving techniques that keep Android smartphones running longer by making apps more efficient and less active in the background.
Numerous optimisations under the bonnet should also ensure that Android is faster in all areas.
If you own a Nexus device (Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Pixel C tablet, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player) or a Sony Xperia Z3, you can sign up for the beta with just one click on this page.
Use apps without installation
One of the most interesting new features, which also affects older Android versions, is Google Instant Apps. It offers the option of using apps without having to install them. Google demonstrated it with a parking app, which allowed you to pay directly via Android Pay, which would not have been possible without the app. Very practical if you only need apps once.
Family app sharing
Family App Sharing will allow you to share purchased apps with up to six people. The function will be activated on 2 July. Google is in talks with app developers to ensure that the function will also apply to purchases that have already been made.
Two new chat apps
Although Google already has two chat apps on sale with Hangouts and Messenger, two more are being added with Allo and Duo. Allo is primarily intended to compete with WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. In addition to fun new stickers and emojis and the option to write messages in different sizes, the integrated chatbot stands out. You can chat with the Google Assistant directly from the app. The assistant also generates automatic reply templates based on shared images. For example, if you send a photo from a graduation ceremony, Google recognises this and the suggestions: Congratulations or Well done, appear.
If you are worried about your privacy, you can activate incognito mode and all messages will be encrypted end-to-end.
With Duo, Google is providing an alternative to Skype or Facetime. Although Hangouts already offers video chat, Google doesn't seem to think that's enough. A special feature of Duo is that the video caller is immediately transmitted live on the display - before the recipient has even picked up the phone.
Both apps are due to be released this summer for Android and iOS.
Virtual reality platform
Two years ago, Google delivered an affordable entry-level version of virtual reality with the Cardboard. Now the company is doubling down with its own VR platform called Daydream and a reference device including an intuitive controller. Manufacturers such as HTC, Sony and Xiaomi are among the first to present their Daydream devices this autumn. The devices will not compete with Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive, as the smartphone hardware is too weak for that. However, Android N uses Vulkan, the same programming interface that is also used for PC games, so the potential should not be underestimated.
The ultimate Google Assistant
Search, especially voice search, has been significantly improved under the name Google Assistant. In future, it should be possible to have more natural dialogues with Google, including follow-up questions or questions that are derived from the context. The voice has also been made more human.
Google Home
Google's direct answer to Amazon's Echo. A small, networked, intelligent device that you keep in your home and that can be connected to various smart home devices. It can play music, answer questions, read out emails and, thanks to the Google Assistant, interaction with it should be natural and uncomplicated.
Android watches are becoming more independent
Despite moderate success, Google has not yet given up on the smartwatch. Version 2.0 of Android Wear supports apps that work independently of the smartphone. The Strava sports app, for example, now measures the distance travelled without the need to wear your smartphone in an embarrassing case on your arm. The controls have also improved somewhat and the watch faces (the graphical interface of the watch) are more functional and interactive.
Android Auto
Google is making further inroads into the car business. You can now connect your smartphone wirelessly to Android Auto. Another practical feature is the option to rely entirely on voice commands. It should also be possible to use Android Auto even if the vehicle does not officially support the system.
Update: Android apps for Chromebooks
Another exciting piece of news has crept out of Google I/O. Android apps will run on Chromebooks in future - natively and not emulated. This will make the affordable laptops much more attractive. Until now, it was only possible to install apps from the Chrome Store and this cannot even come close to keeping up with the selection of the Google Play Store. An extremely promising development.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.