Update: 8/5/2019
The annual developer conference of Google. The Google I/O developer conference will take place from May 7 to 9 in Mountain View, USA. During this annual event, Google announces its plans for the coming year and introduces services and gadgets that we can expect soon. What topics can we expect at the 2019 Google I/O developer conference?
Watch the live stream here
Google I/O developer conference
In the run-up to the conference, there are already quite a few rumors about what we can expect from Google's I/O conference. I/O stands for input/output and has the slogan “Innovation in the Open”. The name and slogan say it all: the event is intended to inform tech enthusiasts worldwide about the latest developments at Google and to enter into a dialogue about innovation together. All important announcements will be made during the 90 minute keynote. The live team starts at 18:45 PM. What can we expect?
Some I/O topics
Every year there are about 20 different topics and sessions that take place at the Google I/O developer conference. These topics include, for example, Google Play, Assistant, Maps, Cloud, Chrome and Android. We are also expected to hear more this year on topics such as AR, Design, IoT applications, open source, gaming, accessibility and privacy. These topics have come up more often in recent weeks or months.
Android Q
Most likely Android Q will play a major role during the keynote and during the various sessions. We hope for more developments after the beta version, a look behind the scenes and announcements of new features. So far we know that the new version contains a number of extra features for privacy. These include setting location sharing data, more control over what data can be shared and the Wi-Fi connection with Android Q becomes more secure. Google often doesn't give a specific release date of major updates, but we expect the developer conference to give a good idea of releases later in 2019.
Update: 8-5-2019
Privacy is indeed one of the spearheads during the keynote. Settings allow users to more precisely control which apps can access your location and which apps can view media. More security updates are coming for Android users. Previously this was annual, now the security patches will be monthly.
The latest Android Q version also gets a dark mode. Everything gets a dark appearance system-wide. Apps such as Gmail and Google Photos still need to be adjusted first.
Android Q makes it easier to share Wi-Fi with a QR code. Google is also preparing for the foldable smartphones about which we wrote earlier. The Android Q is adapted accordingly. There will be Live Captions so that you can immediately see what someone is saying in a video, useful for people who like to turn off the sound when watching videos.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant is one recently trending topic. Google may share Google Assistant numbers and milestones, followed by new virtual assistant features. We may see some new updates to Duplex, the feature AI uses to make calls and make reservations.
Update: 8-5-2019
“Hey Google, let's drive”
Google has announced that Waze will receive assistance from Google Assistant. You can then use your voice to operate functions such as reporting an accident or traffic jam. Google Assistant also gets a driving mode. You activate this by speaking the words “Hey Google, let's drive” to your phone. A simplified dashboard will then appear. There are smart features such as showing shortcuts when you have bought a cinema ticket and enter it in the Google Assistant.
Duplex comes to the web. Google has found a safer way with which you can not only book a table at a restaurant via artificial intelligence, but also automatically rent a car for you and automatically fill in all forms for you.
Cheaper model Pixel phone
In recent weeks, several rumors have surfaced about two cheaper models of the Pixel 3, a smartphone production that is being developed by Google itself. This model would cost about $ 400 and is called the Pixel 3A. Rumors are that Google is working on two alternative models, a standard model and a larger variant: the Pixel 3A XL. This larger model would get a 6-inch screen. The phones have a less powerful processor than the Pixel 3, but we will probably hear the exact specifications during the event. It is also not yet known whether the Pixel 3A will appear in the Netherlands. Earlier Pixel models were not officially on the market in the Netherlands, but for sale.
Update: 8-5-2019
The Google Pixel 3A will be available in Germany. The cameras have the same specifications as the more expensive Pixel 3 model and have a 3.5mm jack. The smartphones go for $399 (Pixel 3A) and $479 (Pixel 3A XL). The cheaper models don't have a second wide-angle camera on the front, aren't waterproof and can't charge wirelessly.
Smart gadgets for the home
Since the Google Assistant has been available in the Netherlands since last year, it has been gaining popularity. Google is developing a new hardware called Nest Hub Max. Unlike a Google Home speaker or telephone, this is one central screen with which all kinds of functions in the house can be controlled. Think of the lamps, heating, curtains, audio and image.
Update: 8-5-2019
Google Assistant gets smarter. You can now reply to messages, emails, post photos in a chat more easily. Also nice: you don't have to shout "hey Google" every time your alarm goes off. A simple “stop” is sufficient.
The Google Nest Hub will be released in the Netherlands this month. All smart home products from Google fall under the new name Nest. It will be available in white and black and the price will drop slightly. The screen is equipped with an Ambient EQ light sensor, which ensures that your screen adjusts to the amount of light and color in the room. With the Hub you can control up to hundreds of smart home devices via Google Assistant. You can, for example, manage the lamps and TV, see who is at your door or manage your speakers from one screen. When the Hub is not being used, it can be used as a photo frame or speaker.
Of course, this is just a small sample of what we can expect from the upcoming Google I/O developer conference. We are curious about the updates and announcements of this major tech giant. Do you also want to watch live? Watch the live stream via the video above.
