Google is hosting its annual developer conference Google I/O 2021 this week. This event happens every year to announce new products and services. However, last year it got canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But this time is coming back in a virtual format and we are expecting big announcements from the company. This year, there are quite a lot of upgrades to the existing services like Google Maps, Google Photos, and more. In addition, there is an enhanced camera app, Project Starline, improved WearOS, new AI, new security, privacy features, and more.
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Here are the things that catches our attention during Google I/O:
Android 12
First and foremost, this stands at the forefront of the announcements by Google. They say that Android 12 will have “the biggest design change in Android’s history”. They also give a glimpse into the new design of the OS which is namely, “Material You”. This update will include new privacy features that will allow users to have more control over how much information apps get from them.
Furthermore, they launched the first beta of Android 12 to allow users to check out some of the features. It comes with a lot of changes and a personalisation option. On Pixel devices, users will be able to completely personalize their phone with a custom color palette and redesigned widgets. Google has also simplified the interface for smooth interaction.
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Smart Canvas
It appears to be a collaboration tool with AI-driven features. It looks like Google will also allow users to bring Google Meet directly into their Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Google is also adding a Companion Mode in Google Meet. This gives each user their own video tile, so everyone is in the frame during those video calls with all teammates visible. Ultimately, there is no hiding in Google Meet. Furthermore, Google Meet will also use Machine Learning to cut outside noise. Thus, keep the lighting perfect to make us look more presentable on those video calls. Smart Canvas will add a lot of features to Google Meet. The company says it will make these features available to all users, not just paid enterprise users.
Project Starline
Pichai says, “it is a holographic video conferencing system”. “You can talk naturally, gesture, and make eye contact,” he adds. The company has tested this in its offices so far, but remember this is still a work in progress. It is indeed a breakthrough technology from the company. This creates a real-time 3D model of a person who is sitting across you using high-resolution cameras and depth sensors.
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Wear OS with Samsung
The new partnership will see Google combined Wear OS and Tizen focusing on longer battery life, faster performance, and focus on developers. This would enhance the way smartwatches work.
Google AI to help identify skin conditions
They also unveil a tool that uses artificial intelligence to help spot skin, hair, and nail conditions, based on images uploaded by patients. Moreover, Google says the new technology improves the screening process for breast cancer to helping detect tuberculosis more efficiently.
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AI-driven Maps, Albums, and more
A new LaMDA conversation technology, which is driven by Artificial Intelligence was also announced at the conference. Google calls the new technology it is breakthrough conversation technology. Moreover, Google Maps will now save users from hard-breaking moments. It will do so by providing information about the routes which avert the user’s chances of getting into a hard-braking moment. In addition, Google Photos will use AI to curate collections to share with the user, similar to Memories on Apple and Facebook.
Some of the other features announced at Google I/O are “assisted writing” tools. This tool will flag up “gendered terms” to the user and suggest alternatives. For example, a user who wrote “Chairman” would be asked whether they wanted to use a gendered term – and would be offered alternatives such as “Chairperson” or “Chair”. In addition, there will be Android support for Digital Car Keys. This means select Pixel users and Samsung Galaxy Phones can be used as digital car keys with the rollout of Android 12.
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Furthermore, Google announced upgrades to its camera app, it said that it is working on a feature that would make the camera more inclusive of darker skin tones.
There is so much more to come in the upcoming weeks.
