Connect with us

Key Highlights of the Google 2019 I/O Conference

 

Google returns to Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California to hold its Google 2019 I/O Conference, the biggest annual event for developers everywhere.

Although there are various other exhibits and activities at the event, the most anticipated is still Google’s very own keynote. Speaking of which, here are some of the key highlights of Google’s main presentation.

Cheaper Google Pixel

Starting at $799 for the base model, Google’s flagship phone, the Google Pixel, is hardly an affordable device for the majority of the population. But it turns out that Google is listening after all: the company has just announced a cheaper version of its flagship model called the Google Pixel 3A, which starts at $399. There’s also an XL version of this for those who prefer a bigger screen called the Pixel 3A XL, which starts at $479.

Integrated Google Nest Hub

Google recently rebranded its Google Home Hub to Google Nest, and it seems like the company does have plenty of plans for the smart hub.

The Google Nest Hub Max now has a 10-inch screen and can be integrated with a Nest Cam, which allows users to view the camera feeds at home even when they’re away and determining via motion-sensor whether there’s a person or not. Users can also register faces to the device so that it can use its Face Match feature to personalize information seen on the device, depending on who the person in front of it is.

Google is planning to release the Nest Hub Max to the public later this year for $229.

Changes to Android

Android users will be happy to know that there will be plenty of changes coming their way this year.

One of these changes is a new feature called Live Capture, which can put subtitles on anything you’re watching on your phone. It basically works like the autogenerated subs on YouTube. Of course, the accuracy is nothing to write home about yet, but it’s a start, at least.

Another change is the  “dark theme”, which lets users switch to a system-wide dark theme for their device. Google says that this is actually more than just for aesthetic– dark themes can also save your battery life, since that means that fewer OLEDs are lighting up on your device.

Better security

Google is focusing more on better and faster security updates starting this year with the Android Q. Security updates will now get their updates over-the-air and without the need for rebooting, which means that users can be assured that their devices are always safe from possible security risks.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers are required to opt into this new feature. Those coming from previous Android models will also not be able to do the OTA updates, which means only devices shipped with Android Q will be able to use it.

Smarter Google Assistant

The company also unveiled its “next generation” Google Assistant, which is much smarter and faster than ever. It’s so blazing fast, in fact, that apps can open instantly upon receiving voice requests. It also understands requests about 10 times faster than before, which saves users a lot of time. Other than that, it now includes personalization features, meaning it can use information saved on your device or on your online Google account to arrive at better answers for you.

Connect