Google's annual developer's keynote just ended - and the event was packed with announcements about upcoming google products, improvements and new features.
The conference was held from may 17 to may 19 in Mountainview, California at the google headquarters.
CEO Sundar Pichai has made it clear that AI was the main focus for Google's future.
Especially deep learning mechanisms, which allow AI systems to learn and improve in the future, are an important part of many different Google products.
Let's take a look at some of the biggest announcements from this year's Google I/O conference!
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- Virtual Reality Headsets
Currently, Google's virtual reality system "daydream" includes attaching your phone to the headset.
But now, Google has announced that they will launch some standalone VR headsets in partnership with HTC and Lenovo.
The headset uses so-called "WorldSense" technology to track virtual space.
A specific release date hasn't been announced yet - only that it's "coming soon".
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- Google Home Improvements
When Google Home and the Amazon Echo launched last year, they created a totally new market for electronic household devices.
Now, a voice-controlled speaker isn't enough - both Google and Amazon plan to add a display to their home assistants, as well as free calls (within the US and canada).
Google will be using a private number for this feature, but you will also be able to connect it to your own mobile number.
The Google Home will also become more connected to your other devices than ever - when asking about directions, they can be sent directly to google maps on your phone, and certain tasks or search results can also be displayed on a chromecast-connected TV nearby.
- Google Assistant
The google assistant app on your smartphone has gotten a new feature - the so-called google lense. ***
With this lens, the app scans and analyzes your surroundings, and shows you information about it - for example when pointing it at a flower, google assistant could tell you what kind of flower it is and what information it can find on the internet about it.
Google stated that they want to "turn your smartphone camera into a searchbox.***"
When pointing the camera at a store front the assistant could show you the opening times, and when pointing it at a sign in a different language the app can translate it for you.
And if you point it at WiFi login information, your android phone could even connect to that network automatically!
Also, Google Assistant finally became available for iOS devices.
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- Android O & Android Go
Android O will be a new software update for pixel or nexus phones.
A Beta Version has gone live may 17, featuring picture-in-picture, improved notifications and more.
In other news, Google wants to reach "the next billion users" with Android Go - a mobile operating system built on Android O. The difference is that Android Go will focus on being used in **data-restricted environments. **
It will feature a set of google apps that have been "rebuilt" to use up less data and storage
- Google Photos
The application Google Photos will receive several updates - "Suggested Sharing" is one of the new features which analyzes whoever is in the shot and recommends to share the picture with them (if they're in your contacts.)
Google also introduced shared libraries, a way to add images to a collection and either share the whole library or just certain pictures of it.
Also, a new feature to print physical photo books starting at $9,99 has been added.!