Inaugurated in 2008, Google I/O is a developer conference held annually by Google in Mountain View, California.
Google typically uses the event as its way to introduce new changes to Android, Google-powered hardware, and updates to services like Google Maps.
In 2020, the event was canceled due to the 'COVID-19' coronavirus spread.
The event was due to take place between May 12th to 14th, and the cancellation came just days after Google scrapped its Cloud Next event in San Francisco in favor of a “digital-first” event.
In 2021, the event returns and was held from May 18 - 20.
After the opening keynote with CEO Sundar Pichai, it was revealed that Google plans to carbon-free 24/7 by 2030. To do this, the company has implemented load shifting to move processing to the least environmentally onerous times. A new geothermal project will also serve data centers. Dragonscale solar panels will work with it for heating and cooling.
First thing first, Android 12 is set to bring the biggest design change in years. And not just that, as Google is also centralizing all the privacy controls for easy management.
Then, there are updates for Google Photos, which use AI to find similar photos to generate pattern-based memories, and so forth.
In the navigation department, Google via Augmented Reality, wants to being bigger virtual street sights on Google Maps. This should allow Google to point users towards key landmarks and hotels, and provide indoor navigation.
From Wear OS, Google said that it is partnering with Samsung and Fitbit to bring a ton of changes to wearables. Wear OS and Tizen are essentially merging for the best of both and cross-platform compatibility.
The next is more Android integrations.
Google hinted that users will soon be able to use their phones as remote controls for their Android TV,. Android Auto wireless and digital car key works via NFC and their phones.
Among the highlights, Google is trying to utilize AI a bit more. Google also wants to revise how it sees privacy, by giving users more controls.