Features
Roderick Scott 0

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Now the 3 heavyweight Android flagships have been announced, its time for Google's big developer conference where they unveil new things for all things Android.  Android has become a lot more than just another phone operating system as it has expanded to many facets - like phones, TVs, automobiles, and wearables.  While this year, there hasn't been a ton of leaks & speculations in regards to more concrete expectations but we have enough to offer our two cents on the matter.  

Let's take a look at some of them, shall we?



Android Wear

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While Google has already unveiled its big 5.1.1 update for Wear earlier this year, we don't expect to see anew update being unveiled.  But that doesn't mean we won't hear about new updates coming later int he year as well as what features we can expect.  
 
We do anticipate to see Android Wear support coming to iOS.  Just to make things interesting w/ the Apple Watch now out and about on the market.  We could also see the 2nd-gen Moto 360 as well as more details on the Tag Heuer watch and other devices.  If we do, expect to see a lot more round smartwatches.  

Android TV + Google Cast

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Chromecast has been a big product for Google making its way into the homes of consumers.  Android TV is still fairly new and still has a lot to do to get the attention of the people.  While it is still within its infancy stages, expect to see more of a push on Android TV.
 
We expect to see more of a push towards gaming and actually watching TV using Android TV.  NVIDIA & Razer already got gaming covered for those of you who are interested.  Not sure if Google will spend a lot of time on Google Cast as it is already supported by Sonos & a line of LG speakers.  We're not sure if an update to Chromecast is in the cards or not but this is I/O and anything can happen.  

Android M

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The mysteriously named OS is set to be previewed or teased depending on your point-of-view.  We're not sure if it will be called Macaroon, Macadamia Nut Cookie, M&M's, or some other sweet treat later on this year.   Expect to see Google unveil more about their grand plans for their mobile OS.   
 
Material Design is expected to become injected into the rest of Google's software as well as continue to get more cleaner and smoother animations within Android.  The latest word is that M will change the way it will roll out major system updates to Nexus devices for 2 years and security patches for 3 years from the OS release date.  This would mean Google is treating their software updates like Apple where older devices wouldn't get M.  Devices like the Nexus 4, 10, and 7 (2012 model) may not get it but will get security updates.  

Don't expect major changes but a lot of fine-tuning.  

Photos is set to become its own app equipped w/ its own robust features for editing & RAW support.  Auto-Awesome will become Assistant as it will automatically create stories as well as allow you to put together your own albums, movies, stories, animations, or collages.  We did hear that fingerprint authentication would become native for M w/ the ability to offer one-touch sign-ins for apps.  There has been some talk of Smart Lock becoming more integrated as this would mean Google is looking to beef up security on a native scale.  Those of you who utilize Android for the enterprise, you'll definitely appreciate it.  This would also make it the perfect time to unveil their own mobile payment system: Android Pay. 
 
We may hear more about Android + Chrome OS coming closer to being one.  Google Now is said to get smarter and perhaps more voice commands to yell at your device.   But other than that, that's all we know on Android M thus far.  

Android Auto

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Google's interface for vehicles have yet to hit the market just yet but we're only a few months shy of it.  There may not be a huge amount of time spent on this at I/O but we do expect to here some sort of news.  Possibly new apps for the Android dashboard infotainment system.  Apps that would make it work hand-in-hand w/ other Android devices & Chrome browser.  Also w/ Google owning Waze now, this could be a standout feature to report live traffic conditions via Google Maps.  

Android At Home/Internet Of Things OS

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Now that Google owns Nest, we could see them rolling out an initiative to support an Internet of Things or an Android at Home service.  The folks over at The Information reported that they will unveil a lower powered version of Android that can run on devices armed only w/ 32MB or 64MB of RAM.  This would run smart devices like fridges to home monitors like Belkin WeMo accessories to the Nest smart thermostat.  The industry is already trying to capitalize on this market and Google may claim their stake in it early.  

 

 

We can hope we get teased a new Nexus device or those rumors of the 2015 Nexus 5 come to light.  Or details on the 2nd-gen Glass or more details on Project Ara.  Whatever will be officially unveiled, we'll be there live on Thursday to give you the news and hands-on w/ whatever is available.  



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Author: Roderick Scott

Father. Husband. Creative. Mild foodie. Batman in my dreams.