Don’t worry if you missed the 2015 Google I/O software developer conference. From advanced features for existing apps to entirely new technological breakthroughs, we’ve pored through every detail of the conference to bring you the very best of this year’s session.

Have a look below at our list of the 5 most exciting announcements from Google I/O 2015.

Android M

By far the most exciting announcement from the 2015 Google I/O conference was the new iteration of its operating system, known as Android M. While some might be surprised to see that the Android M. interface is similar to the previous Lollipop operating system, there is actual method to the madness here: according to Sundar Pichai, Google’s focus with Android M was about platform stability and usability rather than a sleek new design. The results thus far are pretty impressive. Look for:

  • Simplified permissions. Gone are the days of endless, generic permission requests every time you install a new app. With Android M, you’ll only be asked about permissions that are specific to each individual app.
  • Twice the battery life. No need to stress about finding a charger. When Android M detects an extended period of inactivity, its new Doze function puts your phone into a specialised sleep mode, preserving your battery life while still allowing urgent messages and alarm settings to function.
  • Chrome Custom Tabs. No more shoddy browsers when clicking links within your apps. With Android M, all apps will now take you to a specialised mobile Chrome browser, with all of your preprogrammed autofill settings fully integrated.
  • Free online photo storage. You may want to cancel that DropBox subscription. With Android M, the existing Google Photos app now offers unlimited photo and video storage.

Android Pay

While it may seem impossible to compete with the overwhelming enthusiasm for Apple Pay, the announcement of Android Pay at I/O was an admirable effort. With features such as fingerprint verification, partnerships with the biggest banks and credit card companies, and guaranteed secure transactions, Android Pay may be the future of contactless payment for Android users.

Google Now on Tap 

There was huge excitement around the announcement of Google Now on Tap at the 2015 I/O.

Until recently, the standard method for Android users to obtain quick information was typing search words into Google. With Google Now on Tap, all it takes is the press of a button.

For example, if you and a friend are texting about dinner plans at a restaurant, a simple long-press of the home button will pull up information about the locale, including hours, reviews, contact information, and directions. And because Android M collects exhaustive information about you—your search terms, the music you listen to, the books you read, the places you frequent—Google Now on Tap is able to present you with personalised and exceedingly relevant information.

With Google Now on Tap‘s custom-tailored information on demand, other personal assistant apps—including Siri—pale in comparison.

Offline maps and navigation 

The 2015 Google I/O brought exciting announcements about new Google Maps features.  Most notably, Android users will have the option of taking their maps offline—directions, maps, and step by step navigation can now be stored directly to the phone.

While these offline maps and navigation do come with a price (they take up a large amount of storage space), this new feature is a great for those looking to save on data costs, or for those traveling in areas with unreliable internet connections.

Android Wear 

While there is still some debate as to whether wearable technology is here to stay or just a passing fad, Google took wearables seriously enough to announce new Android Wear developments at the 2015 I/O.

The new Android Wear will respond to gestures (a flicking motion for scrolling, for example), allow you to draw and send your own emojis, and make it possible to synch your wearables with your smartphone.

With so many exciting developments announced at the 2015 Google I/O, it’s no wonder that app developers are flocking to the Android M preview.

What do you think? What was your favourite announcement from the 2015 Google I/O conference?