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Google needs your help naming Android N
Nougat? Nerds? Necco wafers? Nonpareils? We'd argue none of these treats sound cool enough for the next version of Android, and it turns out Google is having a hard time picking too. That's why, for the first time ever, the search giant wants to know what you think the "N" in Android N should stand for. Google launched a website to take your suggestions, and could pick a winner if someone out there cooks up something seriously inspired.
The new Android N preview is more stable and updates itself
Google surprised us all with an Android N developer preview two months before its annual I/O developer conference, and then it updated the software a few weeks ago with new performance-enhancing features. Now, as revealed during this morning's keynote, there's yet another update for you bold souls who crave bleeding-edge software.
Android N gets a high-performance VR mode
Even the most stubborn fence-sitters have to admit it: Virtual reality is worming its way into the fabric of our culture. Part of VR's growth is due to the fact that we can now just strap phones to our faces and see other worlds, but that typically requires lots of work from phone makers like Samsung and LG to get their VR hardware and software working just right. The software side of that equation might have just gotten way easier to figure out, though, thanks to Google's announcement of a VR mode for Android N.
Google Assistant will talk to your favorite services
Google Assistant won't just be helpful for talking to Google itself: It'll tap into a wide array of services, too. The search giant has revealed that it's working on a "comprehensive way" for third parties to tap into the AI-powered, conversation-oriented helper. You'll have to wait to hear more about it in the "coming months," but there are already some big partners lined up, like OpenTable, Spotify and Uber. On stage at its annual I/O developer conference, Google also said that it expects developers to trivia challenges and other games. In short: As with Facebook Messenger and Skype, you may find yourself chatting up all kinds of services in the near future. For all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2016, follow along here.
Google's Allo puts AI in a messaging app
Google took the veil off a new messaging app today and it's called Allo. It's not a Hangouts replacement but rather a standalone app that looks kind of like Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp. The key difference between Allo and Hangouts is that Allo comes with some machine learning built right in, courtesy of Google's newly announced personal assistant. As Google engineering director Erik Kay explained on stage during today's I/O keynote, Allo is a smart messaging app that "learns over time" to make conversations easier and more productive.
Google debuts Assistant, a conversational AI helper
Say hello to Google Assistant, a more conversational spin on the company's existing voice search capabilities. In many ways, it looks like the logical evolution of Google Now -- though for some reason it isn't getting a catchy name like Cortana, Siri or Alexa. By saying "OK Google," you can query it with simple questions as before, or do complex things like book movie tickets. The key with Assistant, unlike Google Now before it, is that it starts a two-way natural language conversation to figure out what you're asking.
Google Home will take on Echo to be your at-home assistant
While the New York Times may have broken the news early, Google's answer to Amazon's smart speakers is now official. Announced today at the search giant's annual I/O developer conference, Google Home is the company's answer to the Amazon Echo, whose voice-controlled "Alexa" assistant can help with various tasks. Google Home has a virtual assistant too, with software that can handle household tasks like adjusting your Nest thermostat. It also allows you to control third-party apps using your voice.
Katamari Damacy's creator debuts Project Tango-powered AR game
The maniacal minds behind the cult console hit, Katamari Damacy, have unveiled their latest wacky work, an experimental open-world game powered by Google's Tango AR system called Woorld.
Watch Google's I/O keynote right here, right now
Google's big I/O keynote kicks off at 1PM ET live from the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. We expect big news about Android N (including its actual, probably delicious name), a look at the future of Chrome OS, fresh information on Android Wear and even some news about Android VR. Follow along with our liveblog right here, and watch the keynote with us in the video below.
Google I/O kicks off at 1PM ET, follow our liveblog here!
Google I/O, the company's annual developer-focused conference, kicks off in just a few hours -- but at a much different venue than in years past. Instead of San Francisco's Moscone Center, we're literally in Google's backyard at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. The location may be different, but CEO Sundar Pichai and a parade of Google executives will still be taking the stage to tell us all about the next version of Android, updates to Chrome, and a host of things yet to be formally announced. We should hear about the company's expanded VR ambitions, a new competitor to Amazon's Alexa, more details on Android Wear and much more. The keynote starts at 1PM ET / 10AM PT, and we'll be liveblogging all the news right here. Google wouldn't shuttle us all down to Mountain View if it didn't have something big planned, so stay tuned.
NYT: Google's Echo competitor is called 'Home'
Google's answer to the Amazon Echo is named Google Home, according to The New York Times. Google Home, which was developed under the codename "Chirp," is a voice-powered assistant that can answer basic questions as you bustle around the house. The device should hit stores in the fall and Google is set to unveil the device during its big I/O conference tomorrow, NYT reports.
Get ready for Android N, VR and more at Google I/O 2016
It's that time of year again -- Google's about to give developers a serious show at I/O 2016, which this year is at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California (also known as Google's backyard). We'll be there throughout the week bringing you thoughtful, up-to-the-moment coverage of Google's future looks like, but until then, here's what we expect (and hope) to see starting tomorrow morning.
Google's own interpretation of Amazon's Echo is coming soon
All of a sudden, it's as if everyone is working on voice-controlled personal assistants, and reports suggest that Google's version of something similar to Amazon's Echo could land as soon as the Google I/O event next week -- which would make sense. According to sources at Recode, it's currently being developed under the codename, Chirp.
Google I/O 2016 set for May 18-20 in Mountain View
Mark your calendars, folks. Google, Inc. CEO Sundar Pichai took to Google+ today to announce the company's annual developer conference, I/O, would take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on May 18-20. This will be the 10th year Google has held an event for Android developers to attend or stream on the web. There's sure to be a (lengthy) keynote, during which we'll likely get the latest on Android Wear, VR and all of the other things the company has in the works. If past years are any indication, we'll get the first look at the next major version of Android. Last year, Google showed off Android M at I/O, the release that would eventually become version 6.0 or Marshmallow. [Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
