8 big announcements Google may make next week
Big announcements Google may make next week Google is all set to host its annual developers conference — Google I/O 2016 — next week. Scheduled to take place between May 18 to 22, the event will showcase all the cool stuff that Google’s developers have been working on for the past 12 months as well as set the agenda for the rest of the year. I/O 2016 will kick off with the keynote by Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Here are the major announcements Google is expected to make at this year’s I/O.
Google has already revealed some details about the next Android operating system dubbed Android N, so the OS will surely not be the main highlight of the event. But we definitely expect Google to reveal more details about the mobile OS. Android N will add better multi-tasking support, a revamped notification panel, optimize battery life, improve native file manager, Quick Settings among other.
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No, Google is not launching an improved Google Cardboard rip off. The company is likely to launch a standalone virtual reality headset called Android VR. The headset was first revealed in the preview of the latest Unreal gaming engine.
However, according to reports, Google’s upcoming VR headset will not be as powerful as VR headsets from HTC and Oculus.
Google might announce its long-rumoured plans to merge Chrome OS with Android. Rumours have it that Google might offer a glimpse into its Frankenstein project at Google I/O 2016. And not just that, the search giant is also speculated to open its Google Play store to Chrome OS as well. This means users can access Android apps on Chromebooks.
Google usually announces its offerings for YouTube at separate events, like it did with YouTube Red or YouTube Music. However, rumours have it that Google might launch a TV service called Unplugged at Google I/O 2016.
The new service will offer live TV channels like ESPN, Fox News among others.
Google is reportedly working on a competitor to Amazon’s echo. Amazon Echo personal assistant is a wireless speaker and voice command device. It has a 9.25-inch (23.5 cm) tall cylinder speaker with a seven-piece microphone array.
Google might include support for Ok Google and search capabilities on its Echo alternative dubbed as Chirp.
Project Ara-related device
Google is expected to throw more light on its project involving modular smartphones dubbed Project Ara. Rumours have it that Google might announce a Project Ara-related device.
After Microsoft and Facebook showing interest in bots and how they will shape the future of machine and human interaction, Google is also expected to do the same. Like Microsoft announced bots for Skype, nothing stops Google too from adding bots to its Hangouts or Drive.
Google has just announced that its in-car operating system Android Auto is coming to India and 17 other countries. It is expected Google will have more to talk about Android Auto at the upcoming I/O event. Google’s Android Auto competes with Apple’s in-car system CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto allow voice commands to be turned on with a touch of a steering wheel button.
