Google's annual developer's conference, as expected, has kicked off in a grand style. A boatload of predictions were made as to what we might get to see at the event. And although some were missed out, most of them came to the front with a lot of promise.
According to Google, via its official blogpost, the company welcomed 6,000 developers to its 7th annual Google I/O developer conference. "There are now one billion of you around the world who use an Android device. One billion," it states.
"We estimate that's more than 20 billion text messages sent every day. 1.5 trillion steps taken with an Android. And more importantly, a roughly estimated 93M selfies."
Heading back to what's new, the keynote for the Google I/O 2014 developer conference finished without any word on a new Nexus device, and even a potential release date for the next version of Android.
However, that doesn't mean that the first day of the event wasn't successful. As a matter of fact, we got to see new additions to Google's family and improved services that will pave way for yet more in the upcoming days.
So what exactly went down at this year's Google I/O? What new did we see in terms of releases and technology? Lets take a closer look.
Google IO 2014: New Chromebook Features
A lot is expected from Google's Chromebooks in terms of dishing out Internet at the lowest prices possible. And accordingly, new things have been unveiled for the same this year. With new changes, users will be able to receive calls and notifications straight from their Chromebook, rather than the phone itself.
Google IO 2014: Android Auto
Google showed off the power of Android combined with your car at this year's event. Users just need to connect their Android phone to a car with Android Auto, and that will give you everything at your fingertips like turn-by-turn navigation from Google Maps, user curated playlists and radio stations through Play Music, simple-to-use voice search, and reminders from Google Now.
Google IO 2014: Android TV
Android TV is Google's way of pushing through to dominate the TV audience ahead of regular set top boxes. With Android TV, smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches can easily replace a regular remote control. Also, the entire platform is designed to offer a fresh Android experience.
Google IO 2014: LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live
After months of rumors and speculations, the crowd over at the event finally got a look at smartwatches running on Google's Android Wear OS, in the form of LG's G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live. The watches will now pair up with smartphones and offer direct access to handset notifications. Also, add a host of health related benefits via the watches.
Google IO 2014: The L Version of Android
Google may not have revealed anything as far as the new version of Android is concerned, but we did get a look at what's on offer later down the line. The next "L" version of Android sports a new software layer called Android Runtime (ART) that Google claims will double up the rate of performance. Google calls the new look Material Design.
Google IO 2014: Android One
Google wants everyone to be a part of its Android family. And to target the crowd that are still away from using a smartphone, the company introduced smartphones with dual SIM cards, a 4.5-inch display, expandable storage, and an FM radio -- all that for a subsidized price. And as you might have guessed already, the changes are happening to come to terms with the emerging markets.
