All one needs to know about Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and its announcements at the Google I/O 2014 conference were explained by The Verge in a summary video that is under 9 minutes.
The first update to come from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) which was featured in the video is that Android now has over one billion active 30-day users. These users, according to the technology giant, take about 93 million selfies every day. The company also unveiled its developer preview of Android L, the next generation of its mobile device OS. The company also debuted improved notifications for Android with its latest release as well as what is called Battery Saver, a smarter and more efficient power management tool.
Going more in depth into the redesign, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) also unveiled Material Design, its new design language across its properties whether for mobile, desktop or web. The new design language is meant to unify how developers design apps and other software for all things Google-related. Tied to this is an update for the official font Roboto.
Prevalent in the presentations during the conference was how the company is now tying all the screens in a home together: from smartwatches, smartphones, tablets, desktops and the television. In connection to this, the company also demonstrated smartwatches with deeper integration to Android as well as improved features like fitness tracking during the conference. Smartwatches which were presented were the LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live and Motorola Moto 360. The G Watch and Gear Live are now available for preorder while the Moto 360 will be available later this summer. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) also announced during the Google I/O conference that they have released a full Android Wear Software Development Kit available for developers.
Meanwhile, the internet giant also unveiled Android Auto, its smart platform for vehicles. Android Auto lets users run apps from their mobile phones while controlling them using their car’s systems. It features better navigation and integration to Google Now and other features such as music. The platform will be available, according to the company, when Android L is released later this year.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) also unveiled Android TV during the conference. Android TV comes after the success of Chromecast and will feature contextual information as well as easier access to content via Google Play Store and partners that include Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Hulu, LLC. Android TV can be controlled via devices such as remotes, game controllers and even Android L smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Initial partners for Android TV include Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) and Sharp Corporation (ADR) (OTCMKTS:SHCAY) among others.
Furthermore, the internet behemoth also demonstrated better integration of notifications from Android phones to Chromebook as well as a better Google Cast feature that lets users stream any Android device to a television. The company also unveiled a platform preview for Google Fit which is seen as its challenge to the recently unveiled Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Apple Healthkit.
Watch the video below where much more were discussed by Google executives.
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