Google I/O is one of the most anticipated events of the year for marketers, developers, and tech enthusiasts. This important annual developer conference showcases the latest Google news, products and technologies that are likely to secure the future of computing and mobile technology. This year, Google I/O 2023 took place on May 10, 2023, in front of a limited live, online audience for everyone else around the world.
Here are some of the highlights of the event:
Android 14
Android 14 is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. The operating system will bring a range of newer features and enhancements to enhance the user experience while maintaining privacy. Some of the new features include a redesigned notification center, a smart reply feature that suggests replies based on context, a dark mode that adapts to ambient light, and a privacy dashboard that shows how apps are accessing your data and permissions. Android 14 also introduces Project Mainline, which allows Google to update critical operating system components without requiring a full system update.
Bard Google
Image credit: hgs.cx
A response to Microsoft’s ChatGPT, Google’s AI chatbot, Bard, is now available for free to all users. Bard is powered by generative AI technology that can create natural and engaging conversations on any topic. Users can chat with Bard by text or voice, and ask him questions, tell him stories, or play games with him. Bard may also generate content such as poems, lyrics, jokes, and summaries based on user input.
Google workspace
Google Workspace is Google’s suite of productivity tools for work and collaboration. Google Workspace has introduced new features and integrations to make work easier and more efficient. One such amazing product is Smart Canvas, a new document format that combines graphics, text, tables, images and other content/graphics into a dynamic and interactive canvas. Smart Canvas also supports smart bullets, snippets of information related to other documents or people in Workspace. Another new feature is Meet Companion mode, which lets users join video meetings from their laptop or desktop while using their phone as a secondary device for polling and chat.
Pixel folding
Google has finally unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold, which features a 7.6-inch OLED display that folds in half like a book. Android 14 will power this device which has a dual camera system on the back and a selfie camera on the front. The Pixel Fold also supports wireless charging and comes with a stylus that can be magnetically attached to the device. The Pixel Fold will be available later this year for $1,499.
Google Search
Google Search continues to evolve with new features and improvements. One is the Multitasking Unified Model (MUM), a new AI system capable of understanding complex queries across multiple languages and domains. MUM can also generate responses from different sources and formats, such as text, images, video or audio. For example, users can ask MUM how to prepare for a hike in Japan, and MUM will provide relevant information from various websites, blogs, podcasts or videos.
PALM 2
Google has announced the second version of its projected augmented light field microscope (PaLM), which is a device capable of creating realistic holograms using light fields. PaLM 2 can project holograms onto any surface, such as a table or wall, and allow users to interact with them using gestures or voice commands. It can also capture holograms from real objects and display them remotely. Google demonstrated PaLM 2 by projecting a hologram of a dinosaur skeleton onto a stage and allowing the audience to explore it.
Google Maps
Google Maps has received several updates to make navigation easier and more personalized. Google showed off the latest Live View feature, which uses augmented reality to overlay real-world directions and information. Live View can also display nearby landmarks, businesses, and transit stations. Another new feature is Custom Mode, which allows users to customize their map display to suit their preferences and needs. For example, users can choose to see more green spaces, bike paths, or public art on their map.
Google Photos
Google Photos also got new features powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. One of them is Cinematic Moments, which can create smooth animations from burst photos or videos. Cinematic Moments can also add realistic depth and motion effects to make animations more immersive. Another new feature is Magic Eraser, which can remove unwanted objects or people from photos with just a tap.
Wrap
To conclude, Google IO 2023 was a remarkable event that showcased Google’s latest innovations and developments in cloud, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The giant event also featured inspirational speakers, interactive workshops, and live demonstrations of new products and features.
Google IO 2023 demonstrated how the tech giant is committed to building an immensely useful, accessible and sustainable technology-powered society for all of humanity.