Published on May 15, 2019
Updated on May 18, 2020
Innovation in the Open: Google I/O, an annual developer conference organized by the executive team has a similar format to that of Google Developer Day. I/O 2019, the annual smorgasbord of all things Android, unveiled the long-awaited highlights of Android Q Beta 3, a Wear OS ‘Tiles’ and Pixel 3a impressions.
Launch of Pixel 3a and 3a XL in response to other brands
Among all the latest additions to Google’s plate, Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL were of biggest interests. In Spite of costing half the price of Google Pixel 3 and 3XL, both the phones have the same camera specifications. Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are featured with 5.6 inches and a 6-inch screen at a price of $399 / AU$649 and $479 / AU$799 respectively and include Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Google Fi and US Cellular. However, it has a slower chipset and a plastic build yet it stands out to be a great bargain at such a price.
Google claims iPhone X’s low-light mode is a bit lagging. It is a direct response to iPhone XR and Samsung S10e. Designed in shades of black white and purplish, the plastic casing has room for a 3.5 mm headphone jack and the active edge brings up Google Assistant. With battery life quoted at 30 hours, it is going to be among the first devices to offer AR map mode.
Android Q Beta 3 is here
The 10th generation of Android OS, Android Q Beta 3 was launched at Google I/O 2019. It was announced to be available for 21 phones including Pixel, Nokia, OnePlus and more. The Android Q has doubled up its security and privacy features including Maps Incognito mode, reminders for location usage and sharing and TSLV3 encryption for low-end devices.
Google announced that there are over 2.5 billion active Android users around the world. With Android Q now you can watch videos with the sound off and audio instantly turning into the text to be read, the Android Q will also be compatible with foldable devices providing a thrilling experience. This feature works on all videos that have never been manually close-captioned, no internet connection would be required and it shall be completely legible to the eyes. Some other features of the new Android version launched includes ‘Smart reply’ across all messaging apps and ‘Focus Mode’ that switches off apps you choose to avoid distraction.
Long live Nest Hub Max
Google Home Hub is dead. Dropping the Google Home monikers Google is rebranding the device with the Nest name bringing in line with the security systems.
The Nest Hub is featured with a 10-inch large display and wide angle lens security camera, of 127 degrees Nest cam to be exact. The device supports video calls using a wide range of video calling apps. It also has a voice and face match feature, the camera and the mic are physically turned off by a slider that cuts off the electronics for privacy concerns. The Nest Hub can double up as a kitchen TV if you have access to youtube TV plans. Volume in this device can be controlled by freehand gestures.
Google remains a search giant
In I/O 2019, Google has implemented the timeline for new stories. Podcast will be found on search of any story. The special auto-delete also aims at greater privacy. On users choice stories can be automatically deleted after a period of 18 months or 3 months or so. For any search in Google, 3D model will be available which can be placed in any space desired. With the “Driving Mode” feature, Google can now automatically turn on your location and provide you the map directions for the desired location.
Google lens
It is an increasingly useful application in Google’s app arsenal. On pointing the camera at the receipt it’ll show you tipping info and bill splitting help. A combination of mapping data and image recognition will let Google Lens make recommendations from a restaurant’s menu, just by pointing the camera at it. It also provides details of the food and recipes just by analyzing the menu.
Other Highlights
- Google Duplex got smarter with ‘Duplex on the web’ feature.
- Google Stadia, shall be the future of gaming.
- Google Assistant got 10X faster, understanding the content better simultaneously respecting privacy.
- I/O 2019 mentioned project ‘Euphoria’ with technologies to give people with speech impairment, there voices back. However, it shall not be rolled out anytime soon.
As a cherry on the cake, the afterparty for Google I/O 2019,was hosted by The Flaming Lips, calling it a wrap.
What were the announcements that you are most excited about?
Were you waiting for some more launches?
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