Google I/O is a conference where the California-based company unveil many of the projects they've been keeping under wraps. And in 2015, the most important conference by Google that is aimed for developers, took place on May 28th and 29th, 2015, in San Francisco.
The conference showcases plenty of great new stuff. Bringing together developers in many places, the I/O conference highlights the best what Google can do. And in 2015, it's the year of Android.
At the event, Google's ATAP (Advanced Technology and Projects) team also gave a presentation. ATAP introduced 3 new projects (Project Soli, Project Jacquard, and Project Vault), an update to Spotlight Stories, and a demo for Project Ara.
The event was more into mobile, and how Google can empower everything, from the internet, smartphones to household items. And with more products waiting in line, Google is introducing what's what, and how developers can create things upon it.
Android M Preview
Google previewed Android L, or Lollipop in 2014's I/O conference. In its 2015's, developers are seeing the preview of its successor, the Android M.
The Android M developer preview in intended to help developers to start updating their apps, and assist Google in identifying any bugs that they may have come across. Since the announcement, anyone can grab the firmware by flashing it to the Google's Nexus 6, 9 or Player, to get the first look at the OS.
There were 6 highlighted new features in the M release:
- Updated App Permissions: Instead of agreeing to all permissions upfront, apps now ask for specific permissions when they are needed in a clear and easy to understand way. it's also much easier to edit app permissions, while updating becomes more streamlined.
- Chrome custom tabs and an improved web experience: Chrome custom tabs allow apps to run a Chrome browser on top of the app. Apps are able to customize the tab through color and branding and/or add options to the options menu.
- App links: Tired of getting the "Which app do you want to open this with?" dialogue? App developers are now able to verify which app they want links to be opened with and puts app linking in the Android platform.
- Android Pay: The unified mobile payments experience that allows Android users to pay with their phone. Already working with over 700.000 stores in the U.S., the feature that allow mobile payments, can also be used in apps like Lyft and Groupon.
- Fingerprint Support: Google announced its plans to standardize support for fingerprint recognition, and expose an API for developers which would allow them to take advantage of fingerprint sensors in their apps.
- Doze and USB type C Support: Doze is a feature that improves battery life by using motion detection to help determine when a device has been left alone for a long time. Google also announced that Android M supports USB type C ports that allows fast charging. Additionally, the ports are flippable and bidirectional so users won't have to worry about plugging it "upside down", and more mobile-friendly.
Android Pay
Google answered Apple's mobile payment with Android Pay. Apple Pay has became one of the highlighted feature for the iPhone 6. Google goes with its own with its Android touch payment service that works on any Android device with NFC. The feature is backwards compatible to Android 4.4 KitKat.
Devices running Android M and newer, support fingerprint recognition for authorizing payments, both in the Play Store and online, and also in real-life situations.
The new standardized fingerprint recognition feature is replacing the need for third-party solutions. Fingerprints recognition that can be used to unlock devices running Android M and above, can also be used for authorizing payments via Apple Pay.
A Demo of Project Ara
Modular smartphone Project Ara has been part of Google's previous announcement. However, in 2015, it now has its own developer conference. The Project Ara made a cameo appearance during Google's Advanced Technologies and Projects (ATAP) session.
At the time, the audience watched as a functioning unit was assembled, booted up and live-detected a missing camera module on the fly. When the camera was then added, the modular smartphone took its first public picture.
Google didn't spend very much time on Ara, but teased that more information would come at the next developer conference.
Introducing Project Soli
ATAP introduced Soli, a tiny radar sensor to detect and understand movements and gestures for smartwatch. Soli offers control by its small 60Ghz chip equipped with two antennas that runs at 10k frames per second.
Rather than building a full radar system, ATAP condensed and squeezed the system into a little chip, within 10 months, to create a improvised and simplified radar that can read the abstract movements of a user's hand, and turn it into a signal that it interprets. During the demo, the response was seemingly immediate.
The demos showed the technical side of the product, as well as the its interactions from different movements.
Announcing Project Jacquard
Project Jacquard introduces "[weaving] multitouch sensors" into textiles. This makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms.
By using conductive yarns, created in collaboration with its partners, Google combines thin, metallic alloys with natural and synthetic yarns like cotton, polyester, or silk, making the yarn strong enough to be woven on any industrial loom.
Indistinguishable from the traditional yarns that are used to produce fabrics, Project Jackquard can be implemented, or woven, in any location, anywhere on the textile. Furthermore, the sensor grids can be woven throughout the textile creating interactive surfaces.
The demo showed that the cloth (with the sensor) could detect movement of a hand over it. A video was also shown of a jacket being tailored, and it was later revealed that the presenter was wearing the jacket. Google announced that it's partnering with Levi’s to bring this kind of wearables to fashion.
Announcing Project Vault
Google announced Project Vault, a "hardware and software isolate environment" in a micro SD card. The motivation for Vault came from a desire to increase security through new security models by combining multiple factors and "get rid of passwords".
The research done by ATAP showed a solution that was more secure than fingerprinting. Vault introduces a new form of security that allows users to "communicate with each other securely without their phones being able to read that information". The basic premise of Vault is the ability to enable encrypted communications on a real-time custom operating system, or ARTOS, designed by Google.
Project Vault is basically a SD card with its own operating system. The host computer sees Vault as a storage device, but in reality, Vault is a "proc system without any kernel drivers". Vault is also operating system agnostic and doesn't require any extra work from the host system.
Internet of Things With Project Brillo
With the Internet of Things coming into heat, Google announced its approach in 3 parts: OS, Communications, and User-Experience.
On the OS side, Google introduced Brillo, an operating system that is derived from Android, and Weave, a shared language that allows devices to talk to each other. Android also gained the ability to automatically recognize devices and owners.
Google worked with Nest to develop the OS. Since it's derived from Android, it has minimal system requirements and is more secured, as Google's Sundar Pichai said.
It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy to connect to various, random objects in a house that allows Android connectivity.
Offline Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most useful Google products for mobile users. The drawback is that it works well only when it's connected to the internet. People always wanted to use Maps' features while not connected, and Google answers that needs.
Especially crucial for regions of the globe with unreliable connectivity. Voice turn-by-turn directions will work offline, as will reviews and open hours information. Offline Maps and Maps front, a transit directions for major cities are also included.
YouTube Offline is also available, working for 48 hours in certain regions, while Chrome supports offline pages as well.
Standalone Google Photos
Announced at Google IO 2015 event, Photos offers photographers free, unlimited storage (with file size restrictions: 16MP for picture and 1080p for video) and the ability to see, organize and edit their photos on any device, anywhere.
The product is a standalone and a spinoff from Google+ Photos service. Although works in a similar way, it doesn't need users to subscribe to Google+ in order to use it.
Photos is more than just a social tool for smartphone users. Regular camera users can use Google Photos to back up, share and edit their pictures too. The process is designed to be automated, so whether the user shoot pictures on their phone or add them to folders on their computer, they still end up safe on Google Photos.
Updated Spotlight Stories
ATAP also introduced an update to Spotlight Stories, which included a new SDK and story editor, a standalone app, YouTube support, and more support for immersive environment.
Google demoed a new film directed by Justin Lin that was a full, live action, 3D experience. ATAP said that not only are their visual changes depending on where you look, but the sound is also responsive. They played part of the movie in the room, but the experience on the mobile phone was better.
Introducing Now on Tap
Google is improving Now experience with Now on Tap that combines Google with the context on a page or app. For example, when a user is listening to Skrillex's song, and opened Google Now via the "OK Google" command, and said "What is his real name?". Google Now will return an answer about Skrillex and vocalized his real name, without the user even indicating who "him" referred to.
Now on Tap also brings more helpful information, such as as (but not limited to) the following:
- Movie reviews, trailers, or a synopsis when an email asking the user to go see a movie.
- Restaurant reviews when the user is looking at a calendar invite.
- Smart reminder card when the user receives a message.
The Now on Tap doesn't require any external work from app developers.
Further Approach to Virtual Reality
Google Cardboard that was introduced in previous event, and it has surprised people on how the search giant was seeing virtual reality. The do-it-yourself VR helmet turned any smartphone into a low-budget virtual reality interface, was seen as a low-cost alternative to Oculus in terms of a preview of virtual reality, and what it's capable of.
With several key Google personnel recently shifting departments to the unit responsible for Google Cardboard, a new version of Cardboard that can accommodate devices with displays up to six inches, was revealed.
Alongside the improved Cardboard, Google also announced a new VR feature for Cardboard called Expeditions, which allows teachers to take students on a field trip to anywhere, all from the comfort of the classroom.
There is also a new stereoscopic VR camera rig which uses 16 cameras in a circular configuration to capture stereoscopic footage of environments. GoPro is partnering with Google to make a Jump camera rig, but anyone with the desire can make their own - with any cameras they choose - in order to create Jump content.
The Future of Material Design
Google announces what it wants for the future of Material Design by giving the message: "you asked, we listened".
There were already 200,000 apps in the Google Play Store that use Material Design. By ignoring all the games in Google Play, Material Design is roughly incorporated in one out of every three apps. The colorful and interactive design has come a massive popularity.
Matías Duarte, Google's Vice President of design, introduced a number of new Material Design support resources, designed to help developers more easily bring their apps into line with Google's design standard:
- Tools for modifying the Floating Action Button (FAB)
- A library of ready-made Material Design icons that developers can simply download and use.
- Help with adapting to Material layouts.
- Tips on not losing brand identity with Material Design.
- A new device metrics database that covers designing for phones, tablets, wearables and laptops.
- Updates in describing motion, launch screens, empty state.
Developers expected to see more Google's side-products, such as self-driving cars, Android in more places, new Nexus and smartwatch devices, Project Tango and more. But they have less to no airplay.