Google IO Highlights

In the last week of June Google shared with the Android community all of their latest updates. This year Google is doing a big push in connecting all devices and giving App developers some interesting new tools. Consumers and Developers alike will rave about the new things coming to the Android Ecosystem.

Google I/O Highlights

Watches – Everybody is getting ready for Smart Watches. They already exist of course, however between Google and Apple the race is on to make the smartest of the smart watches. Google’s interface will essentially be an extension to your phone by sending notifications directly to your watch. No more fumbling around to see the messages on your phone, now your watch will act as your mini hub for those important messages.

Android “L” Coming soon

The latest version of the Android operating system will be known as “L”. The new version will include a new software layer called Android Runtime or “ART” for short which supposedly will double performance. Not to mention that they included a new look called “Material Design” which will add shadows and create a sense of “depth” on your phone’s display. Developers are extremely excited about the latter development.

Android Television is back!

Google is going at their TV attempt yet again and this time they seem to have brought some truly interesting innovations to Smart TVs that anyone can enjoy. With this Android approach to television your phone, tablet and even smartwatch will be able to replace your remote. Your device will seamlessly stream to the television allowing you to share the content on your phone on a 40 inch screen without having to connect anything.

People will also be able to connect with a click of a button as opposed to entering WIFI passwords and so forth. The corporate world is ready for the Android TV experience as this is an excellent tool for conferences and so on.

Android Auto

Directly competing with Apple’s CarPlay. The Android Auto will essentially plug into your car and give you full power of the Android experience from Feeding you Google Now styled information cards, message dictation and providing directions. The aim is to completely make it a ‘hands free’ experience, almost like having your own personal assistance helping you keep your eyes on the road.

Cheap Smart Phones

Google is implementing the Windows strategy in terms of costs. Google is bringing cheap phones for under $100 that will include Dual SIM capabilities, has a 4.5 inch display and catering to a large market of people who simply can’t afford these more expensive models that competitors are promoting. This step aims to bring the world into the Smart Phone environment.

Bottom Line

There are a lot of innovations announced this year at Google I/O and for developers there are exciting new “toys” to play with in their latest SDK. More information will most probably be released closer to the end of the year but it seems that Google is definitely pushing the envelope to a new level. With quicker UI and longer battery life, cheaper devices…the world is going to enter into an Android Craze, or so Google hopes!