Google I/0 2015: Android M, Project Ara, Android Silver and More

| Published: Thursday, February 12, 2015, 14:12 [IST]

Google I/O 2015, will take place on May 28 and May 29 of this year. We don't expect the developer conference to go off the radar without new hardware and software announcement. Registration for the event will begin on March 17.

Google I/O is an annual conference where the software giant announces new software tools for developers. As usual, there's a registration lottery in which Google will randomly select applicants regardless of when they registered.

According to Google's Sundar Pichai on Google+:

Excited to announce that our official dates for Google I/O in San Francisco are May 28 & 29, 2015. Whether you're able to join us in person, online via I/O Live or at an I/O Extended event in your local community, we're looking forwarding to connecting with the global +Google Developers community to share what we're working on next.

Google hasn't given away any hints regarding this year's developer conference, but the Google Events website promises "two days of hands-on interaction with the latest technologies, inspirational talks and a few surprises in between."

Last year, we saw the launch of Android 5.0 Lollipop, Android TV and some Android Wear products. The tech giant also announced its Android One platform for the very first time.

And this year, we may see major announcements in the form of a new version of Android operating system (dubbed, "Android M"), an updated to Google Chromecast and more.

Here's what we expect

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

This year we can expect a new version of Android mobile OS. Don't expect a big update though, Android M is likely to be Android 5.2 and bring along new customization features and tweaks.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

Google recently confirmed that Project Ara pilot test will commence in Puerto Rico through carriers OpenMobile and Claro in the second half of this year. Spiral 2, the codename for the second prototype of the modular phone being developed under Project Ara, will be tested in Puerto Rico by Google through a market pilot, to see whether the smartphone concept can do well when launched in the retail market.

Sure, Google is betting big on its pet project - Project Ara. Even though Google hasn't shared any market release so far, we may get to hear more from Google at this year's I/O.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

While players like Apple and Sony are working really hard to crack this market; Google, on the other hand, is keen to push its Android TV platform as the next-generation platform. A couple of TV makers from Sony to Philips are expected to launch TVs with Android TV platform.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

Google has not officially confirmed its existence, and that all we know about Android Silver is based on rumours and leaks. Basically Android Silver is thought to be a set of guidelines set by Google to manufacture premium handsets, like the Nexus 6. After the exit of Google Chief Business Officer Nikesh Arora, the software giant reportedly killed off Android Silver program.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

Google's Android Wear seemed to have failed. According to research firm Canalys, 720,000 Android Wear watches were shipped in 2014. The most popular watch was Motorola's round-Moto 360. Looks like users are nor taking smartwatches seriously at all. With Android Wear failing to attract users, Google needs to do something quickly if the company wants to keep the momentum and to stay on the top.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

Google's Android One has apparently failed to strike a chord with buyers. The numbers aren't too impressive. Keeping that thing in mind, Google could discuss a forward-leaning strategy to enhance its vision about Android One platform at this year's I/O.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

Chromebooks had a very good year, according to Amazon. They are selling well. And now we need to see more models in the market. New Chromebook models are expected to launch in the first half of 2015. While we aren't quite sure what to expect from Google, we should see plenty of hardware demos at Google's I/O 2015.

Google I/0 2015 Expectations

Launched in the US in 2013, Google Chromecast remains one of the best streaming device in the market. The tiny streaming stick brings YouTube and more to your living room. Could we see an upgraded hardware at I/0 2015? Only time will tell!