Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
If it’s summer, it must be developer conference season. That blessed time when behemoth technology corporations show off their new operating systems, products, and services to throngs of programmers and by extension, consumers. First came Microsoft Build, next was Apple’s WWDC, and this week we’ve got the last big bash of the season, Google I/O.
As dictated by ritual and tradition, the service shall take place in San Francisco’s Temple of Moscone—better known as the Moscone Center. It kicks off on June 25 at 9am Pacific time. While shrouded in mystery and enigma, we have at least some idea of what may be coming—or at least what the tea leaves indicate. Roll the bones, people, here’s what to expect.
Given that Google updated Android to version 4.4.4 this week, rolled out new Glass frame designs from Diane Von Furstenberg, announced a bunch of new Glassware today, and made a major overhaul of Google+ Photos just last month, we’re expecting some Very Big News—otherwise it would have saved some of that stuff for the keynote. Likely, it’s going to be the Android Everywhere show. Google has proved Android on handsets and tablets. Now it’s time to see where else it can roam.
The Safe(ish) Bets:
Android Inside Your TV
If you take a quick look at the session guides for this year’s I/O, something really pops out: What’s all this Google Cast stuff listed everywhere? It seems a safe bet that Google is going to make a big deal of Android TV, it’s latest attempt to crack the big screen in your living room. And why not, it has a hit on its hands with Chromecast. Time to blow it up. And, hell, I’m sure it will be a lot better than Google TV or the Nexus Q, right? Right?
Android All Over Your Body
Google has already announced Android Wear–a wearable version of Android meant for devices like watches. But now we’re expecting, or at least hoping, to see some actual devices built on the platform.
Google Up in Your Car
Remember the Open Automotive Alliance? Sure you do. It’s Google’s joint effort with carmakers like Audi, GM and Honda and technology firms like NVidia to bring Android into your vehicle. It’s been teased as “starting in 2014″ and we’re expecting to hear a lot more about it, and see it in action, at this year’s I/O.
Design Focused, But Money Talks
Google is emphasizing three D’s at I/O this year: design, develop and distribute. Google wants you to think of it as a design-oriented company every bit as much as you do Apple. That’s unlikely! But it’s going to push the theme at I/O this year. Expect to hear the D-word repeated on stage quite a lot. Develop? Well, that’s the whole conference, isn’t it? But expect lots of looks at what Android makes possible across a range of devices and activities. As to distribute, Google wants to make a case to developers that they can make lots of money by writing applications for its platform. It’s going to trot out lots of evidence of how well the Play store has done, and how much revenue its generated for third parties who have embraced it.
Maybe? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Google Up In Your House
Google announced the Nest Developer program just this week. It lets your Nest talk to your other existing devices. So, for example, before you roll up in your Benz, your Nest can turn on the heat in your house and get it warm and toasty for you. Given Apple’s HomeKit splash at WWDC, and the effort to show how Android can work on all sorts of platforms other than phones and tablets, this seems likely to get at least a mention.
Android 5.0
Color us officially skeptical on this, but not ruling it out. This is, after all, the Android show this year. Hopefully, we’ll at least see a preview of some of its features. But we would be pretty surprised to see Android 5.0 get a full coming out.
Google Glass Consumer Version
Well Google has made it clear that the consumer version of Glass is coming at some point this year. And of course the Explorer version (the one you’ve seen) debuted at I/O.
Nexus Tablet
A new Nexus tablet? Ehhhhhh. There will certainly be some devices at the show, likely something Google wants developers to focus on, but most of the leaks are pointing towards releases later this year for a new Nexus tablet—along with a possible rebranding as Android Silver.
Naw, Dawg, No Way
YouTube Streaming Music Service
Nope. Not this week. Despite it getting some press this week and last, along with some official confirmation, we’ll eat a tire tube if this ships this week.
Nexus 6 Handset
Lol, no.
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