TORONTO – Google announced a slew of new projects and features Thursday during its annual I/O developer’s conference in San Francisco.
During the keynote speech, attendees were given the first look at the latest version of Google’s Android operating system and Google’s first foray into the Internet of Things business. Here is a look at everything Google announced during Thursday’s event:
Android M
Google’s next version of its Android operating system will boast new ways to fetch information, pay merchants and protect privacy on mobile devices.
Android M will make Google’s voice assistant “Google Now” more intuitive, by allowing Google Now to scan whatever content might be on a mobile device’s screen to deliver additional information about the topic of a text, a song, a video clip or an article.
The new OS will also be compatible with fingerprint scanners so device users can verify their identities by pressing a button instead of entering a passcode.
Android M will include an alternative to the mobile payment system that Apple introduced last fall. Google’s response, called Android Pay, will replace Google Wallet for making mobile purchases in stores and applications. Google Wallet, which came out in 2011, will still work for sending payments from one person to another.
Most of these updates will be available later this summer or early fall.
Project Brillo
Google is officially getting into the Internet of Things business with the announcement of Project Brillo – a smart home platform that will be included in Android M.
The platform will be similar to Apple’s HomeKit, which connects smart home gadgets such as lights, kitchen appliances, electrical plugs and home security systems.
“Imagine a farmer managing their entire farm with a smartphone,” said Google executive Suchar Pichai. “The security cameras, the sensors and irrigation technology can be connected so it works together.”
Google Photos
This is big news for anyone looking for a free, online photo storage option. Google will provide unlimited storage of all photos up to 16 megapixels and high-definition video up to 1080p.
But it’s not just limited to Android. The service – dubbed Google Photos – will be available as an app on Android and Apple devices, as well as a web-based version.
In comparison, Apple’s photo storage service offers up to five gigabytes of storage for free. Yahoo’s Flickr service offers one terabyte of storage for free.
But, if you want to store photos that are more than 16 megapixels you’ll have to start paying.
Offline support for Google Maps
Google also revealed that Google Maps will soon have offline support for maps, turn-by-turn voice navigation, search and information about destinations like hours of operation.
This means users will be able to access Maps features without an Internet connection. However, it’s not clear how much Maps data will be available offline.
While the initiative is part of a bigger push to improve access to Google services in emerging markets, such as India, the move will also be welcome news to anyone who likes to travel abroad without shelling out for an overseas data plan.
The update to Google Maps is expected “later this year.”
Want to know more? You can watch the entire Google I/O keynote here:
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