The Google developer conference, Google I/O, is underway in San Francisco, featuring a lineup of design-focused content for developers and designers. Today is rounding out to be a showstopper, from Google Maps Offline to the Google Now enhancements and Apple Pay rival Android Pay.
We swept the interweb to provide the best updates and news from the conference. Check out the highlights:
Google Now On Tap
Today, I/O conference-goers previewed Google Now enhancements. Google Now is a predictive search tool, and has gotten more intelligent. Google also proclaimed its availability on mobile browsers and Google-indexed apps.
Google noted on its Inside Search blog:
You can get notifications like where you parked your car, news stories based on your interests, or help with travel like your upcoming reservations. We’ve also gotten better at giving smarter answers to some of your questions… and at helping you get things done across your apps.
Android M Release
Google announced a developer preview of the next version of Android, the “M” release. The release features early access to Android so developers can prepare apps for the next version of the Android. Visit the M Developer Preview for downloads and documentation.
Google Photos Now Free
Google confirmed the launch of Google Photos for free… with nearly unlimited storage. With the service, Google will host 16MP and 1080P of photo and video storage for Android, iOS, and web users. Check out the details here.
Mobile Payments With Android
Google announced Android Pay, a cloud-based payment solution native to its mobile operating system. Think of it as an upgraded “Google Wallet” and a competitor to Apple Pay.
Google Opens “Inbox By Gmail” To The Masses
Today Google publicly released “Inbox”, which could be described as Gmail on steroids. Inbox features trip bundles, “Undo Send”, “Swipe to Delete”, upgraded signatures and reminders, and more. Check out more info on Inbox here… or download the app.
3D Becomes More Accessible
Google enhanced its cardboard frame smartphone attachment (used to create a 3D viewing device). The updated version is compatible with bigger phones and will support iOS devices.
Google Offline
Google announced multiple Apps will go offline, including Google Maps and Gmail. (Google Maps Offline will launch later this summer.)
Tune into the following hashtags on Twitter for the latest I/O updates:
Are you at the conference? Shoot us some insights in the comments area!
Image Source: Digital Trends
