Google I/O 2016: Things We Learned About Android N & More

Here’s everything you need to know about the product announcements at the Google I/O 2016.

Sundar Pichai at Google I/O 2016. (Photo: AP)

Google made a slew of announcements at the Google I/O last evening but we still don’t know what to call the Android N. Instead, millions of users get the chance to etch their names in the history books by helping Google name the newest Android version.

But there was more to the keynote from Sundar Pichai than just giving us a sneak peek into Android in a new avatar. Here’s what the Google I/O 2016 had in store for all:

1. Google Home

If you know anything about the Amazon Echo, then chances are you’ll get the hang of what the Google Home has to offer. This cylindrical-shaped device is equipped with WiFi that lets you control things home in the household by simply making voice commands. This Google Home demo video will make things a lot clearer.

Google Home. (Photo: Google)

Google Home is a voice-activated home product that allows you and your family to get answers from Google, stream music, and manage everyday tasks.

<b>Google</b>

Google Home relies heavily on Google’s data, ranging from weather to booking a ticket or even buying stuff online. Gradually, Home will become integrated to all the devices in your surroundings with lights, fridge, and air-conditioner at the centre of its voice-capable attention. Home will be available later this year, and we’re hopeful that unlike the Amazon Echo, it makes its way to the Indian market.

2. Android Wear 2.0

The much needed boost for Android’s wearable push comes in the form of the latest Android Wear (AW) version.

All these watches are powered by Android Wear.

It’s come to a point where Google has to find a way to fix the mess that is Android Wear. The wearable version of Android is available with brands like Motorola, Asus, Tag Hauer and many other watch makers. But AW has suffered terrible from its lack of identity and low battery life.

But with AW 2.0, Google seems to be finally moving in the right lane. Later this year, AW will let smartwatches act independently, so much so that you can even use the watch even if the phone is switched off.

New features on the way to Android Wear version 2.0. (Photo: Google)

For once, Google has promised that the battery life will improve. You could also make the most of the smartwatch by replying to messages from the watch itself. If these claims are delivered, then Google could finally have a one-up on the Apple Watch.

3. Allo & Duo, Google’s Answer to WhatsApp?

While it would be foolish to suggest that Google can outshine the popularity of WhatsApp with Allo anytime in the near future, we can’t say no just yet. Google’s supposed smart-messaging app is said to connect with users much more than WhatsApp or any other IM app does. You can even chat on Incognito mode, something that’s been extensively used on Chrome.

This is how the Whisper/Shout option works. (Photo: Google)

With features like real-time emotion controls via the whisper/shout option, you can express feelings in the right volume. Duo, on the other hand is there to offer you a better video-calling experience. You can see the person on the other side of the call even if he/she hasn’t picked up the call yet.

Video-calling demo from Google Duo. (Photo: Google)

It will be available for users on Android and iOS later this year and safe to say, it has the potential to become the iMessage for Android.

4. All About Android N

The next Android version will support built-in virtual reality via Daydream, and split-screen mode is now available as well. It also comes with a new set of emojis, and improvements that let you reply to notifications from the drop down menu.

Behold, Android N in full glory. (Photo: Google)

What’s New in Android N

• Many Google products like Movies, Photos now supports VR on Android N
• Google Play now offers VR-enabled apps
• YouTube app has been redesigned to support improved VR experience
• Android N comes with built-in VR features
• Google has added a new range of emojis to mark the power of women.

Google Play offers VR apps. (Photo: Google)

The reference design of VR headset for mobile. (Photo: Google)

More emojis representating the diversity of women on Android N. (Photo: Google)

5. Android Instant Apps

How many times have you decided to ditch shopping or hail a cab just because you didn’t have the app in your phone? Well, those days are numbered now with Android Instant Apps.

Basically, Google will let you browse through a website’s link shared via message. Once you click the link and if you don’t have that app installed on your phone, then Google Play lets the device access the parts of the app which is relevant to that particular content. It’s coming to devices running above the Jelly Bean version and we can’t wait to try it out.