Features
Roderick Scott 0

Its the most wonderful time of the year - Android & Google enthusiasts anyways.  As Google I/O developer conference is just about to kick off.  This year Google is moving things from the Moscone Center closer to home and outdoors at Mountain View, CA.  

Get ready for a lot of software discussion and not too much on the hardware this time around.  Time to see what the rumor mill have been cooking since last year, shall we?



Android N

 

First thing first.  Google's smartphone platform is getting a new sweet codename and more features to go along w/ it as well.  We're not sure if it will be called Nutella or the name of another sweet treat.  

First Look: Android N

Thus far, the preview of Android N offers a new notification shade, quick reply option for Hangouts/Messenger, call screening, number blocking, and finally split screen of running 2 apps at the same time.  Rumor has it that it will also support an Android version of 3D Touch for apps but that may come later rather than sooner.  

Maybe we'll Android's version of the Gboard keyboard along w/ other new apps & new features coming to existing apps.  We've already had to versions of the developer preview become official so we can expect the 3rd and final one to arrive at I/O after the keynote.  

Android VR

As Google Cardboard was a great way for Google to get started into VR space w/o breaking the bank.  Now that Oculus and the Vive have helped bust that space wide open, its time for their next phase.  

Word has it that Google is ready to reveal theirs which will be a in-between the Gear VR and the Vive in regards to performance.  Its actually supposed to work on its own w/o the use of a smartphone attached.  Of course, it would probably utilize a smartphone app to manage/load content with.  Think of it as a more advanced version cardboard as it will be more expensive too.

Project Tango

Tango is said to be getting better traction this year.  For the uninitiated, Tango will allow you map rooms/areas and render them in 3D working hand-in-hand w/ Android VR.  There will be official Tango devices set to make its way to market or at least a better prototype.  

Project Chirp

We already talked about Google's take on the Amazon Echo.  It will be their version of it powered by Google Voice Search.  What would make the most sense would be to add voice recognition abilities to their OnHub routers like Droid Life said.  It won't be unveiled but we might get a sneak peek of it.



Minor Expectations

There is also a possibility of the Google Play Store coming to Chrome OS.  While we won't get the complete merging of Android & Chrome OS just yet, this will be a great medium of sorts.  This way it will expand more features by opening up access to the Play Store for more apps to play with.  
Android Pay is said to finally launch overseas in the UK.  No guarantee but what better place to announce it than I/O.  
 
With all of the sessions scheduled for developers, we may or may not see an update to Android Wear.  Hopefully, its more than just a new batch of watchfaces.  

I don't expect to see new Nexus devices but who knows.  This could be the year Google decides to switch things up a bit.  Also, many of you might expect to see Chrome OS come to end as it will allegedly merge w/ Android.  Don't really see any reasoning for it happening.

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Author: Roderick Scott

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