Google IO 2019
Here is a summary of what was announced at this year’s Google IO 2019.
Android Q
The 10th generation of the Android operating system was announced along with new features for phones and tablet users. One feature is the availability of the Dark Theme which follows a design of making dark themes available to apps, programs and operating system to save battery and to look cool. Android Q beta will be available to 21 devices, the new operating system will also see improvements in security and privacy; through features such as Maps incognito mode, location usage, TLSV3 encryption for low-end devices. Google also announced that security updates will roll out fast and updating will no longer require a reboot. Android Q will support foldable devices enabling developers to tweak UI and ratios when folded or unfolded to ensure apps and video games take advantage of the screen’s real estate.
Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL
As anticipated Google announced a new line up of low-cost Google Pixels. The new low budget models are available in 5.6-inch or 6-inch screen at affordable prices competing against the iPhone XR and Samsung S10e. During the announcement, Google directly called out the iPhone X’s low light mode when compared to the Google Pixel Night Sight which will be available in these low-cost Pixels as well as the high-end Pixels released last year. These low budget phones also see the comeback of the 3.5mm headphone jack and still has an Active Edge. The new phones will offer AR maps mode which will bring directional markers to real-world locations through your phone’s screen, camera and GPS.
Nest Hub Max
The announcement of the Nest Hub Max means the Google Home Hub is dead as the Nest Hub Max brings them in line with the security system. The product has a camera and a large 10-inch display with a built-in Nest Cam with wide angle lens security camera that has 127 degrees of view. Camera and mics can be physically switched off via the slider, which is a great addition for the customers that are more privacy-conscious. The Nest Hub Max is able to recognise individual family members via voice and face match which means the device will only show information and recommendations for that individual.
Google Search
Google is the number 1 search engine and they have upped their game to be more visually rich. They showed a demo of a medical student searching for a muscle group and presented with a 3D representation of the body part within the mobile search result. Not only is the animation shown within the search result, but the animation can also be placed on the user’s desk at real scale from the smartphone screen.
Google Lens
Improvements to Google lens were also announced on top of the existing party tricks it already has. Google lens can now make recommendations from a restaurant menu just by pointing the camera to it.
Google Duplex
Last year Google announced Google Duplex, that is able to answer phone calls on your behalf and make appointments. Now Google has improved Google Duplex enabling it to plan trips; it will fill in website forms such as reservation details, hire car bookings and more on your behalf. Google Duplex will just wait for you to confirm the details it has inputted.
Google Assistant
Google has managed to quicken Google Assistant between your voice request and the desired task to be carried out, according to Google it will be 10 times faster. Google demoed a Google employee making several requests in a row and instantly the commands are triggered instantaneously. Google Assistant can now compose emails and it will know when you are asking it to put text in the body or subject line.
Project Euphoria
Google announced a new project call Project Euphoria which will use Google technologies to give people with speech impairments a voice which will be a powerful software powered by machine learning.