If there is a “big brand” who knows just what the industry wants in terms of technology, it has to be Google. The multinational company’s business includes Internet search, cloud computing, advertising technology, etc. Furthermore, the famous mobile operating system, Android, comes from Google. At the same time, Google’s mobile phone brand “The Pixel Series” is also loved by many. As we all know, Android and iOS are the two most popular mobile operating systems in the world. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the global market share of Android platform mobile phones hit 78.1%. StockApps data shows that Android has a market share of 69.74% in January 2022
Earlier today, Google held the Google I/O developer conference. The conference was a dual conference in terms of visibility. This means that the company opted for an online plus offline event. For the offline conference, the venue was the San Francisco Coastline Amphitheatre. The conference lasted for 2 hours. Google demonstrated the key technologies of existing AI, computing, and data models. The company also launched the first smartwatch, Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds Pro wireless noise-cancelling headphones, and Google Pixel 6a. As we all expected, Google officially introduced Android 13 to the public. However, looking at the long list of announcements, Android 13 is just an “appetizer” at the event. There were “bigger” interests at the event.
Google I/O conference hardware and software products
Google Lens, exploration feature and image search
While Google had a long list of hardware at the launch event, the company also had a long list of new features. Prabhakar Raghavan, senior vice president of Google, announced that the Google Lens multi-search tool now has a new feature called “near me”. This feature can search results locally based on photos taken by users. It can even identify the restaurant that makes a particular food if the restaurant has a pattern of preparation.
At the same time, Google has also launched a “scene exploration” function. Users can now identify objects by moving the camera and add filtering conditions to display the results in real-time.
Google says it is introducing a new feature for image search that will allow users to refine searches based on skin tones classified by the MST Scale. This expands to 10 different skin tones and it takes care of machine learning (ML) technology that may perpetuate unfair bias and are not suitable for people with darker skin tones. This changes the current artificial intelligence (AI) product bias. Furthermore, Google plans to use the MST scale to check the diversity of its results, but searches for specific terms like “baby” or “doctor” will not show only white faces.
Google Maps
For the most part, Google Maps is a flat 2D application, and if the device can handle more graphics and more data, the user can fire up the Google Earth 3D dataset and get 3D buildings. At the conference, Google announced a new map module “Immersive View” that allows people to have an immersive experience.
Android 13
Next is Android 13, which everyone is looking forward to. Google has launched a new Google Wallet, which supports boarding, concerts, vaccination cards and other tickets in addition to payments. Later this year, a “Security and Privacy Settings” page will be added. One location collects all key data privacy information and is designed to encourage Android users to address any security concerns that may arise.
Android 13 also allows users to set the system language on a per-app basis. This is helpful for multilingual users who rely on different languages in different situations.
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Google Pixel 6a
In terms of hardware, the Google Pixel 6a has three colours, and uses a Google Tensor processor + Titan M2 security chip. This smartphone also supports a 5G network connection. The Google Pixel 6a comes with a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2400 x 1080. The display supports 60Hz which is enough for a mid-range smartphone. This device has a storage space of 6GB + 128GB and has a 4300 mAh battery.
Google claims that the phone will receive “five years of security updates” and three years of operating system updates. It will officially hit the shelves on July 28, with pre-orders starting July 21 for $449.
Google Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro
In addition to the Google Pixel 6a, Google also officially announced the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 has three colours including Obsidian, Snow White and Lemongrass, while the Pixel 7 Pro is available in Obsidian, Snow White and other colours. In addition, the Pixel 7 Pro will have a triple rear-camera system, and the three-gram lens may be wide-angle/ultra-wide-angle/telephoto.
Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Google Pixel Buds Pro features Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, paired with Google’s custom audio chip and beamforming microphones to ensure clearer audio. The headset supports multipoint connections, can connect to multiple devices, and can switch seamlessly between devices without using the Bluetooth menu to connect or disconnect the headset.
In terms of battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro can last for 7 hours in noise-cancelling mode, up to 20 hours with the charging box, and 11 hours in regular mode. The headset is priced at $199 and will be available for pre-order on July 21.
Google Pixel Watch
The long-rumoured Google Pixel Watch was also unveiled at the conference. The watch is equipped with a rotatable crown on the side, a stainless steel body, and a detachable strap. It also supports NFC touch payment, built-in Google Home and supports Wear OS. This watch also integrates Fitbit, with the Google Assistant feature, and there will be an LTE option.
Google Pixel Tablet & Google AR goggle
At the Google I/O conference, Google unveiled its new Android tablet. This device promises more than 20 Android tablet apps for Google services and a widescreen design with four pogo-pin connectors on the back.
At the same time, Google also showed an AR goggle, but it is currently in the concept stage and only shows the translation function. In the demo, the device displayed the translated text on the screen, which looked like a standard pair of thick-rimmed glasses.
Conclusion
The above is the entire content of the Google I/O conference. Google generally does not announce products released after a year, but this time it seems to have a “break”. In terms of time, Google has a lot of new products this year, but none of them seems to be available in the near future. Products like the Tablet and the AR glasses will not be available anytime soon.
