If you aren’t watching or following the on-going 2014 Google I/O conference, this is a summary of what Google announced and released. Google announced that it has updated its visual look across devices and screens with the fresh, new Material Design outlook, the Google’s Cardboard virtual reality frames turns your Android device into a VR headset and the Google’s Chrome OS now plays better with phones. From all these to a brand-new visual design to wearables, Google unveiled their vision for 2014 and beyond.
CHEAPER SMARTPHONES FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Google debuted a cheap but elegant Android One phone to court buyers on a budget. Android One is a new set of hardware reference platforms designed specifically for developing markets, using stock Android and low-cost parts that are readily available. An example developed in collaboration with Micromax was showcased: a 4.5-inch phone with dual SIM card slots and an FM radio that’s supposed to cost under $100.
MATERIAL DESIGN: A BRAND-NEW LOOK FOR EVERYTHING GOOGLE
Google’s is improving the visual appeal of the products using unified design language called “Material Design,” which will carry the same visual style across the web, Google’s Chrome browser, and all Android mobile devices — including Google’s new pack of wearables. Material Design is a colorful and playful new design style for all of its products.
ANDROID L, A NEW OS FOR YOUR PHONE, CAR, TABLET, AND TV
a new version of Android, codenamed “L,” that won’t arrive until later this year was showcased. L is a fresh look at how a software operating system should work, no matter what device you’re using it on. L works inside cars, TVs, and mobile phones, and incorporating all the principles Google laid down in its Material Design principles while maintaining your favourite things about Android.
UNIFIED MULTITASKING FOR YOUR APPS AND CHROME TABS
Android L includes a feature called “recents” that stacks windows from Chrome, as well as your recently used apps, into one cartridge like a sheaf of little cards.it is supposed to give you an easier way to multitask.
SEARCH
Google search for the mobile web is getting a visual makeover with Material Design, think colors.
PRECIOUS BATTERY LIFE
Battery-saving is now an official component of Android L. Project Volta is Google’s name for an overall battery-optimization push, and there’s also a power-saving mode, which will supposedly help you wring some more life — Google says about 90 minutes — out of your phone.
REMOTE WIPE AND SECURITY
Android L includes a new “kill switch” that lets users remotely wipe their device even if it’s been stolen and restored to factory settings. The feature, already implemented in iOS, has contributed to a decrease in thefts since it launched with iOS 7.
ANDROID APPS ON CHROME
Later this year, some Android apps are going to start working on Chromebooks. Apps like Evernote and Vinewill work smmothly and let you take advantage of local hardware and cameras. In other words, you can shoot a Vine on your Chromebook.
GOOGLE TEARS DOWN THE WALL BETWEEN OFFICE AND DRIVE
You can finally edit Microsoft Office files natively in Google Drive. It was always possible to switch between the two programs, but an update to Drive will remove the speed bump of converting and reconverting.
GOOGLE VR
You can now pair your android phone with reality goggles for a makeshift VR headset, If you’re willing to buy some lenses and other simple components, of course. You can even build your own at home.
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