Google I/O is Google’s conference that acts as a bridge between Google’s innovative technologies and the developers. It involves many sessions that are intended to provide the developers ample information about what is new and how to use them.
Held annually at San Francisco Google I/O is an event eagerly waited for. Much like the developers end users too await this event as they get to know what they can expect in the future. Let us see the highlights of Google I/O 2014 held on 26th of June.
Android L
While everyone expected the codename of Android’s latest release to be revealed it was being referred to as L. Android L is Google’s next big step in terms UI. It features a new minimalistic but highly functional UI based on the ‘Material Design’.
The new OS will be offering much more animated and interactive interface. A good news to the users is that Android will be having its own on-screen keyboard that is apparently very much better than many third-party keyboards in use today.
Also check – Apple’s WWDC June 2014 Event Coverage
Android Wear
Wearable devices can now be a better part of your day because they come with enhanced UI and security. Voice control has been empowered for better ease of use. Your phone gets locked automatically once you start using your wearable device to prevent data loss on theft.
Many users are turning into wearable devices because they can get their jobs done and save battery life of their phones. So, Google has introduced a locking system on phones that can be activated by a personal device of your choice.
Android Auto
Android Auto also gets the new Android L UI based on Material Design. It is also getting the advantage of better voice control like your wearable devices to avoid crashes.
Google announces that many companies are working with them towards improving Android Auto.
Applications
Android applications shall now be available in Android TV and Google Chrome OS. With the new UI applications are being offered features that enhance functionality. Google has tied up with Appurify to improve testing experience.
Chromecast
Chromecast has been receiving good receptions recently and it is no wonder Google has come up with cool enhancements.
What stands out is that you can now share your phone screen with people who are not using your WiFi network You can customize privacy settings to improve your security.
Cardboard
Card board is a simple but interesting tool to enhance your 3D viewing experience over the phone. It comes as a single sheet of cardboard with instructions to build the device.
You need to install an app from the play store to make things work. Cardboard helps you to view objects on screen from all possible perspectives. With real life pictures the realistic experience is also enhanced.
Material Design
Pretty much has been said about the Material Design before but there are a few more things to point out. Material design has more gesture based interfacing to enhance experience on wearable devices.
In phones it provides a new notification style involving heads-on notifications that appear as pop ups like in your PCs. You are free to ignore them. There is also provision for home screen notifications.
The Web
The Material design is not restricted to devices. It can be used by Web developers to provide a lively interface to their websites. Much like in phones this involves the use of more animations.
The Google I/O of this year has been full of good surprises. We shall wait and see how these things are accepted by the user community when they hit the markets. There are enough reasons to predict a positive response, though.
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