What we're hoping to see at Google I/O 2016

1. First, some background

Moscone West for Google I/O in 2010.

Give us your Google I/O background. Are you a complete noob? Or a veteran?

Phil Nickinson: I keep in mind being fairly new at this Android factor nonetheless and listening to about Google’s annual developer convention. It was undoubtedly nonetheless a spectacle again in 2010, however I used to be in method over my head. I’ve few footage from that occasion — and fewer which might be good. However it served as the idea for what we do now — masking the heck out of one of the superior developer conferences there’s. It is so nice to satisfy a number of the people who make the apps and units and providers we use daily.

Jerry Hildenbrand: I went to Google I/O in 2009 via a previous employer (we have been within the Google App Engine) and have been yearly since I began working for Cellular Nations in late 2010. It is one of many highlights of my yr.

Alex Dobie: This would be the second Google I/O for me, my first being method again in 2012 within the days of Jelly Beans, Google Glasses, Nexus 7s, blimps and Vic Gundotra

It was the primary Google dev convention since Android actually began to take off, and that was mirrored within the OS’s prominence at I/O 2012 — and by the extent of pomp and pageantry on the convention. Glass-equipped skydivers parachuted into the keynote. A giant robotic Nexus Q stalked the halls outside. Hell, the actual, precise Nexus Q was loopy sufficient — a Chromecast trapped inside a bowling ball that Google deliberate to promote for $300.

This yr’s I/O goes to be a bit totally different, with a brand new and upgraded venue — and a special Google together with it. I am anticipating the environment at Shoreline Amphitheater to be fairly in contrast to something we have seen at Moscone.

Michael Fisher: For years I’ve skilled Google I/O from throughout the continent, consigned to observe the stay stream from wet Boston whereas pals and colleagues cavorted with life-sized Androids and super-scale confections within the brilliant California solar. Properly NOT THIS YEAR, Universe! There won’t be a brand new Nexus in sight and MrMobile won’t even be midway via his gentle launch, however I’ll I/O for the primary time ever and dammit, I am gonna discover me a strolling Nutella and I’ma hug it. Onerous.

Daniel Bader: My first I/O was in 2012, when Sergey Brin fell from the sky like a peregrine falcon to drop Nexus 7s on our laps like an ultra-fit Santa Claus (I am remembering that appropriately, proper?), and I have been yearly since. It is my favourite convention (and I attend numerous them), with content material significantly extra accessible to the typical individual than Microsoft Construct, and fewer manicured pomp than Apple’s WWDC. Google all the time makes it fascinating, and there’s a palpable sense of caprice that solely it may well obtain.

Andrew Martonik: I am glad to say this will probably be my first in-person expertise of Google I/O, because the previous few years have been spent steering the ship from again at house and watching all the shenanigans unfold over the web. Google is actually nice about stay streaming the large keynotes and periods, which has made it tremendous straightforward to comply with alongside remotely, however after going to loads of different conferences I do know there’s nothing like truly being there in individual.

2. On Android

Android M acquired its begin at Google I/O 2015.

What are you wanting ahead to when it comes to Android on the convention?

Phil: It is essential to maintain Google I/O in perspective, I feel. We will see a whole lot of nice platform-level stuff. And that is tremendous essential. However that is not the identical as consumer-level. The little particulars we have see within the Android N preview may or won’t look the identical by the point they hit the Samsung Galaxy S8, for instance. Nexus is superior, however nonetheless area of interest. (Which is a disgrace.) Hopefully we’ll see N do extra to vary that.

Jerry: I am wanting ahead to listening to about what’s in retailer for the long run. Android N goes to be good, however I actually dig it when the individuals constructing Android begin speaking about their concepts for the subsequent model, and the model after that. You possibly can see the thrill when somebody is telling you about issues that may be accomplished to enhance the consumer expertise with their a part of an enormous piece of software program, and the way it will match along with all the opposite concepts to make issues higher, extra environment friendly and simpler. What we’re utilizing in Marshmallow is predicated on concepts we first began listening to about in 2012. Watching Android morph over time and seeing the way it all takes form is an enormous a part of how I get my nerd on.

Alex: Google set the ball rolling rather a lot earlier within the yr with Android N in comparison with earlier cycles. So whereas I am anticipating fascinating bulletins round the way forward for VR in Android, and the Android runtime in Chrome OS, I am not holding out for any huge product reveals. These will come later in the summertime when N is able to ship.

Cut up-screen multitasking has been taking form within the first couple of N Preview builds, and I am curious to see how Google sells this to devs as an entire concept. What’s extra, rumors have swirled about pressure-sensitive display help within the subsequent model of the OS (one thing that is truly been round at a low degree for years should you go digging within the code). And whereas I can undoubtedly see that being A Factor in future Android variations, if 3D Contact on the iPhone is any indicator, it should take some time to develop past a neat piece of know-how in search of its killer app.

Michael: I seldom run beta or preview builds on my units, so I will be utilizing Android N for the very first time at I/O. On the smartphone aspect I can not say I am terribly excited – I am fairly proud of Marshmallow in its present state – however because the (sorta) proud proprietor of a Pixel C, I am dying to see what split-screen implementation Google has provide you with to take advantage of pill shows. Additionally, it positive can be good to see enchancment in areas like background reminiscence administration and audio dealing with, small however nonetheless unlucky ache factors in my Android expertise up to now.

Daniel: I feel we will all agree that the proliferation of thrilling, whiz-bang achievements inside the Android working system itself has slowed. As we close to the center of the alphabet, there is a middle-aged maturity in every new model, a logical development that, to my eyes, is extra about refinement than revolution. Nonetheless, with Android rising up, it begins to allow every part, like automobiles, VR, and every thing in between, that have been historically marginalized whereas Google obtained the smartphone expertise good.

Whereas I am excited to see what Google does with split-screen multitasking, I am extra desirous about how builders will reply to the brand new APIs constructed into Android N, since apps make Android what it’s.

Andrew: Google let the cat out of the bag early once more this yr with the Android N Developer Preview, which is a superb factor for lovers however most significantly builders. All the sensible individuals who make the units and apps all of us use can go into I/O with early variations of the code already of their arms, and that makes an enormous distinction if you solely have three days to collaborate in individual.

Having the essential options of Android N out within the wild already additionally signifies that Google does not need to spend time re-hashing it, and may transfer on to saying really new options and moving into the specifics of the working system. We additionally have not heard a lot about how Android N goes to work with non-phone platforms, together with the last word imaginative and prescient for tablets, wearables, embedded methods and extra that each one run on or work together with Android.

three. On digital actuality

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Google took us abruptly with Cardboard, however it’s time for one thing new. What are your expectations for VR?

Phil: I am all about 360-degree cameras nowadays. That is not fairly the identical as digital actuality, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly in the identical ballpark. The power to have a small, handheld digital camera seize nonetheless and video of all the world round me at any given time is large. And Google is principally turning us all into Road View photographers within the course of. I actually need to see some enhancements from Google in sharing. YouTube is nice (and straightforward) for video, however nonetheless pictures undoubtedly want some work.

Jerry: We’d like a reasonable, stand alone VR headset. Google is the best firm to do that, and I’ve little question that somebody is considering it. There’s an enormous hole between Google Cardboard and one thing just like the HTC Vive, and whereas Samsung is filling it their method with the Gear VR, a unit that does not want particular hardware however can present an identical expertise can be superior.

Alex: I feel we will all agree that Cardboard must develop past Cardboard. Google cannot essentially manufacture a extra premium plastic, gasket-fitted headset that’ll match all Android telephones. Nevertheless it can construct an ecosystem round VR content material and customary hardware traits to make it simpler for Android to supply a Gear VR-class expertise throughout a variety of handsets and headsets. That, I feel, would be the focus of Google’s VR efforts at I/O.

Google Play VR, anybody?

Michael: I lately launched a household good friend to Gear VR, which had him so satisfied he was about to be eaten by a Nice White that his panicked flailing knocked a desk lamp to the ground (alongside together with his drink). I additionally just lately purchased an HTC Vive, whose VR expertise has completely flabbergasted each pal who’s come over through the previous week. Google Cardboard is spectacular and necessary primarily because of its accessibility (it does not get a lot simpler or cheaper than folding some card inventory right into a visor and sticking your telephone into it) however I’ve by no means seen it evoke the type of visceral awe that its higher-end rivals do. It will be enjoyable to see what Google does to take Cardboard to the subsequent degree; whereas it is execution hasn’t all the time wowed, the corporate’s imaginative and prescient has by no means been wanting.

Daniel: I’m so, so enthusiastic about what Google does with VR this yr. I keep in mind the profound confusion spreading by way of the gang of media and builders as they have been handed the primary model of Cardboard upon exiting the keynote in 2014. Unwrapping the plastic, determining the best way to insert my telephone, watching the few items of content material obtainable for it (on my Nexus 5, no much less!). It was a enjoyable experience. Since then, VR has grow to be extra mainstream (although, on reflection, not that rather more), however it’s the good time to introduce a standalone VR headset a la Gear VR — simply higher! With tasks like Tango and Ara already within the works, it would not be shocking to see Google take the standalone VR headset recreation to the subsequent degree — no matter that’s.

Andrew: It would be exhausting to say that the Cardboard initiative hasn’t been an enormous success for Google, and it has been an enormous driver within the basic understanding of digital actuality and immersive video. Now, it is time for the business to transcend $15 Cardboard viewers and onto one thing extra substantial.

I might be extraordinarily stunned to see Google unveil its personal next-generation higher-end VR expertise to compete with the likes of the Gear VR, as that does not actually appear to be a enterprise it must be concerned in. However I do assume it’s extremely a lot in Google’s curiosity to foster improvement of such units — whether or not that is by providing reference hardware on an open design platform, or simply additional fostering VR content material improvement in Google Play and YouTube.

four. On wearables

Android Put on was introduced forward of Google I/O in 2014, however the devcon is the place we acquired our first good look.

Android Put on has sort of stagnated — what’s subsequent for Google in wearables?

Phil: I can not assist however have the sensation that I am solely utilizing about 2% of what my Android Put on watch is able to. I archive e-mail on the go. That is about it. Is that my fault? Is that Android Put on’s fault? Each? What I might actually like to see is correct NFC cost help. The one factor simpler than whipping out your telephone to make a purchase order is to only faucet your watch, proper?

Jerry: There needs to be extra that may be carried out on this area. Android Put on is useful, however principally as a second-screen expertise. I am not likely positive how wearables may be improved and made indispensable, or even when they will, however I do know Google is not afraid to throw cash and concepts at something. There are some sensible individuals working at Google who aren’t going to surrender on wearables.

Alex: Qualcomm introduced Snapdragon Put on 2100 — its new chip for wearables — again at Mobile World Congress in February, however we have but to see any precise watches utilizing the brand new chip. Android Put on has all the time more-or-less been on a special software program monitor to different gadget varieties, so it is attainable we may even see new hardware teased at I/O.

Put it this manner: Virtually each Android Put on system ever launched thus far has used the now historic Snapdragon 400 SoC. This would be the first main silicon improve the platform has seen. So it is to be anticipated that new software program of some type may go together with it. Whether or not it will make Android Put on any extra helpful (or well-liked) stays to be seen.

Michael: I nonetheless assume there’s a variety of potential in Google’s smartwatch platform, however the main updates to date have finished little greater than plug performance gaps (and introduce gestures that make you appear to be you are making an attempt to flick a fly off your forearm). Which is a disgrace, as a result of whereas it isn’t one of the best interface I nonetheless a lot choose Android Put on to just about all of its rivals; the hardware choice is numerous and sometimes fairly lovely, and even operating on outdated silicon the software program is often zippy sufficient for the temporary interactions the platform was designed for. This yr I am hoping Google applies that “zip” at a extra elementary degree, by trimming and tightening the UX. In 2016, there’s actually no cause it ought to take me seven swipes and faucets to activate one thing so simple as a countdown timer.

Daniel: I am not holding out my wrist for a lot information from the Android Put on area. I’ve by no means notably warmed to Android Put on: the card-based interface nonetheless feels clumsy, and even with the recently-added gesture-based navigation I do not really feel like Google has executed a lot to enhance it. What I might love to listen to is an acquisition of Pebble by Google, combining the ruthless e-paper effectivity of the Pebble Time Metal with the facility of Google Now. A person can dream!

Andrew: I’ve actually misplaced religion within the energy of Android Put on at this level, however I might like to be confirmed improper by seeing Google come out with some substantial updates to the platform. It is so clear that Android Put on has potential, nevertheless it wants much more focus and particularly an enchancment in hardware. Clearly these wheels are going to show a bit slower when Google has to work so tightly with manufacturing companions to get the platform shifting collectively, however any kind of enchancment can be welcomed right here.

On one other notice, a humorous factor occurred this week: I took out my Google Glass and powered it up for the primary time in over a yr. Sporting it round the home for a couple of hours, I used to be reminded of what number of nice concepts have been constructed into Google Glass that also amaze me at present. We clearly see some tidbits of that have in Android Put on, and I hope most of the improvements from Glass aren’t utterly misplaced inside Google.

5. On the related residence

What about Google’s related house initiatives?

Phil: Google has to have one thing to compete with Amazon Echo. Alexa’s nice, however she’s not as sensible as Google Now. Sonos is killer for straightforward setup, however it’s fairly stagnant. Similar goes for Nest. I’ve acquired some big hopes for (former Motorola CEO) Rick Osterloh taking up hardware for Google. We’d not see quite a bit on that entrance at I/O, however it’s an enormous re-hire.

Jerry: OnHub 2. Do not let Amazon have this area as their very own!

Google Now on my router, which can also be a sensible hub and gateway between IoT units and my telephone can be sick. OK Google, what is the climate? Oh, and please begin my automotive and activate the kitchen lights when you’re wanting. Thanks.

In 2020, I would like Google to be chopping my grass.

Alex: The rumor mill appears to have collectively determined we’ll get some sort of Amazon Echo competitor from Google, which might be a very huge deal. Google’s worldwide attain — when it comes to its personal hardware and providers, no less than — is way larger than Amazon’s. And the identical goes for the vary of providers it gives. The chances of such a tool related to Google Now, Play Music, Inbox, Calendar, Android Pay and Google Maps, to call just some, are phenomenal. It is completely potential it’s going to be a continuation of the OnHub undertaking, which might imply not only one gadget, however a number of from a variety of companions. It would be a really Google strategy to that drawback.

But when Google is critical about successfully placing its voice search engine in a field and promoting it, it will need extra than simply routers. Perhaps a collection of mic/speaker bins might be provided for multi-room help, or it might concurrently hook into the audio hardware of your Android telephones. In any case, given the privateness considerations already swirling in some elements of the world, promoting shoppers on an always-listening Google field in your front room might be one other problem altogether.

Michael: MrMobile is all about staying on the street, so he does not spend a lot time occupied with know-how to make use of on the homefront. Nonetheless, an Alexa competitor from Google can be compelling; regardless of its wonderful critiques I’ve managed to keep away from adopting Alexa as a result of I simply do not spend sufficient time in Amazon’s ecosystem to make it worthwhile. Google, then again, is aware of each step I’ve taken (and each transfer I’ve made/bond I’ve damaged/recreation I’ve performed) since 2006, and it is aware of me fairly nicely consequently. Having that sort of familiarity at my beck and name once I’m fiddling round the home might be very fascinating certainly.

Daniel: Google’s father or mother firm, Alphabet, already owns Nest, so let’s examine that aspect of the enterprise step up. Positive, Nest is an executive tire fire with a bevy of inner issues, however that does not low cost Tony Fadell’s principle of the unified house wanted a central platform — similar to a thermostat or router — to excel. Like Jerry, I am a fan of the OnHub, and hope Google does extra than simply attach IFTTT support and name it a day.

Andrew: Related residence merchandise simply have not caught my curiosity up thus far, and Google has had a restricted set of successes on this area to date. Merchandise like OnHub and Chromecast are nice in their very own respects, however Google’s try at unifying all of your related house merchandise hasn’t actually gone anyplace.

I need to hear Google speak extra about Brillo and Weave if solely to reassure companions and unbiased corporations working with the applied sciences that Google continues to be invested in them … at this level we’ve not heard sufficient to make that case.

6. On Chrome and Chrome OS

Sundar Pichai at Google I/O in 2011. Then, answerable for Chrome. Now, CEO of Google.

Probably the most-hyped areas is Chrome and Chrome OS — what are you anticipating?

Phil: Extra Chromebooks. And higher, cheaper Chromebooks. At this level I can not consider anything I might ever have my youngsters use. No purposes to put in. Simply managed by my Google Apps account. It is an underrated product, for positive.

Jerry: Android runtime. Merging Android and Chrome is a foolish concept and I am glad that everybody addressing it’s saying it isn’t going to occur. Chrome is a greater and stronger platform than Android and used for various functions. We have to keep in mind that the thought behind Android wasn’t to kill the cellular market and take it over, however to construct a platform for purposes that anybody can use. Let’s take that software layer (and its 1,000,000+ apps) and get them on Google’s different shopper product.

Alex: I’ve said it before and I am going to say it once more right here: Android apps on Chrome OS might be big, if Google handles it proper. As Android apps develop ever feature-rich, and the platform expands to include resizeable apps, the Google Play Retailer might develop into an essential vacation spot for issues that simply aren’t handy to do in a browser window. It is also an necessary insurance coverage coverage towards any long-term transfer away from the open net from rivals like Apple, Fb and Microsoft. And that would all begin at I/O 2016.

Much more tantalizing: if Android apps on Google Play come not simply to Chromebooks however Home windows and Mac machines operating the Chrome browser, properly that is simply a fair greater viewers for Android builders — and extra eyeballs for the Google ecosystem.

Michael: I’ve by no means laid arms on Chrome OS, and I’ve by no means felt a compelling urge to take action. Given how nicely Android works for my wants on most display sizes (keep in mind, I am a Pixel C weirdo), I do not see how thrilling Chrome OS might probably be – even with the much-ballyhooed Android app compatibility hypothesis. With the ability to run Android apps in Bluestacks on a Home windows machine did not make it any much less cumbersome to take action, nor did it save BlackBerry or Sailfish from the garbage bin. Extra to the purpose: today, once I need a pocket book expertise and do not have a pocket book useful, I throw a keyboard on a pill and 9 occasions out of ten I can get work completed fairly comfortably. Once I’m finished, I can toss the keyboard and have a pill once more – one thing I can not do with Chrome OS. So whereas I am to see what’s new for the platform, I can not say I am anticipating wonders from Google on this regard.

Daniel: Chrome is in an fascinating spot. As we have discovered from Microsoft’s appreciable Common App Platform rising pains, it takes greater than right scaling to deliver a smartphone software to the laptop computer type issue (and vice versa), so merely providing a common Android runtime for Chrome OS isn’t a catch-all answer. As Jerry identified, Chrome is an extremely highly effective and strong working system, and I might wish to see extra executed with it than pawn it off to Home windows OEMs to promote at bargain-basement costs for the needs of schooling or low-friction residence use.

Andrew: This might maybe be an important yr for Chromebooks, as their widespread attraction is making a market that calls for larger high quality and a extra numerous set of pc choices. The advantages of Chrome OS are as clear immediately as they have been initially, however now we’d like higher hardware and efficiency on the typical Chromebook to allow them to attraction to much more individuals.

That is very true if Google decides to go all-in with bringing Android apps (and the Play Retailer) to Chromebooks, because the calls for for assets will simply maintain going up. Google can solely achieve this a lot when it is the producers who finally determine to make the units, however because the platform chief it will probably do rather a lot to push them in the suitable path.

7. On anything you’d wish to see

An enormous Nexus Q in 2012 — solely the good factor at Google I/O EVER.

Some other outliers you need to see coated this yr?

Phil: I might actually wish to see extra on Android Auto. Getting people to place down their telephones whereas driving could also be probably the most essential issues the cellular business can do. And Android Auto is a killer product. However it’s nonetheless a bit tough across the edges.

Jerry: Google Codsworth, please.

Alex: It is principally an open secret that Google is engaged on bringing a subset of its providers, together with the Play Retailer, to China, a rustic from which it is at present all however excluded. The most important challenges there are probably political, not technological. However, a developer convention can be the perfect location to announce a serious new marketplace for Android apps.

Michael: Venture Ara — and actually, the idea of a modular telephone usually– has all the time appeared like type of an extended shot, at the least when it comes to widespread adoption. However, I hope Google hasn’t given up on making it a actuality, even on a small scale. The idea of a smartphone that may be repaired or upgraded piecemeal is strictly the type of sci-fi stuff that flips my pancake, so I am actually hoping to listen to that Google hasn’t left it to evaporate down on the far finish of the Alphabet.

Daniel: Methinks it is extra than simply inhabitants administration why Google relocated this yr’s I/O to its house campus of Mountain View. Self-driving automobiles are, in fact, an enormous deal proper now, and it would not shock me to see Google spend a whole lot of time speaking up its management on this space, particularly as Tesla is slowing encroaching on that area with continued updates to its Mannequin S.

I might additionally love to listen to extra about Undertaking Ara, which I hope has not been shelved as was rumoured earlier this yr.

Andrew: Over the few days of Google I/O we’re all the time anticipating a number of oddball bulletins, however one of many massive issues I might wish to see is a greater rationalization of the place Google’s hardware efforts are headed beneath Rick Osterloh. The previous Motorola exec definitely is aware of a factor or two about all of this, and I might like to see what his imaginative and prescient is for Nexus, Chromecast, Pixel and extra.

Google I/O 2016 kicks off on Might 18th, and you may comply with all the Android Central coverage from the show right here!