Google I/O 2017: Everything we expect and how you can watch it live
It’s that time of the year again for Google. Sundar Pichai will be on stage to open the company’s annual Developer’s Conference (I/O 2017) and a lot is expected from the search-giant this year. The event kicks off on May 17th at 10 am PT/ 1 pm (ET) at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA and will continue through the end of the week.
Let’s take a closer look at what can be expected from the Google I/O 2017 this year:
More information on Android ‘O’
What’s a Google I/O conference without an update about the company’s most popular product, Android OS. The company has already revealed a few details regarding the Android version 8.0 dubbed Android ‘O’ with the developer preview that was launched back in March.
Android OS version 8.0 to be called Android 'O'
What we know so far is that the update will improve the device’s battery-life, add picture-to-picture to Android TV products and let users snooze notifications for a longer period of time. Android ‘O’ will also be carrying better Bluetooth-connectivity, cleaner settings and more granular notification control. Nonetheless, here’s to hoping that we find out more about the update at the show.
Making Google Assistant the best
Last year, Google launched an Apple-Siri competitor called Assistant. However, it failed to garner much attention as being the best out of the bunch of digital assistants that were already available such as Siri, Alexa and Cortana.
Google Assistant was launched back in 2016
It’s time that Google Assistant widens its lead in the market as far as this is concerned. Possibilities of seeing a mix of new features and devices that can run the Assistant are high.
Chrome to receive a major update
Chrome is another one of the company’s most popular products set to receive a major update at this year’s conference.
Google Chrome expected to receive a major update
The search-giant has long been rumoured to combine Android and Chrome (unofficially referred to as ‘Andromeda’) into one operating system and that might just take the form of reality at the conference this year. Moreover, Chrome is also speculated to include an update to the browser that has an ad-blocker pre-installed.
While Android apps already work on Chrome OS at the moment, they are still in beta. An official release date for this might just be announced at the event.
Google Home to become smarter
Google Home may come with a Wi-Fi ability this year
The company introduced Google Home smart-home speaker at its I/O last year. In an effort to update its year-old device, Google is widely speculated to add Wi-Fi ability. Moreover, the smart-home device might even be able to make calls after the update.
Google to up the ante in AR/VR space
Google’s DayDream VR platform works on Pixel and a handful of other Pixel smartphones but that’s just about it.
Google Daydream VR headset
The VR space is sprawled with competition and this might be the right opportunity for Google to up the ante especially in this segment. While, a Daydream update is surely expected; we are hoping that the company has something notable to say about AR as well.
Will have to wait for Pixel 2
Google Pixel smartphone
Google took the wraps off its first Pixel smartphone in October last year; therefore, it is highly unlikely that we will see a new version of it at the Google I/O this year. The good news, however is that the company has confirmed the device.
Other products
Android Wear 2.0, Android TV, Chromebooks, Allo, Duo and Hangout updates are just a bunch of other products that are expected to receive an update as well. While most of the above mentioned products have already received updates recently; they still have several factors that require attention.
Interested readers can follow Google I/O 2017’s live blog or watch the live-stream of their event on Google’s official website and YouTube pages respectively.
