Google held its annual developer conference at Mountain View, California with some big announcements and exciting launches at the event. Started back in 2008, this year marks the 12th edition of much-touted Google I/O conference.
The highlight from the event remains the next Android version and Pixel 3A devices.
Android Q beta that is currently made available for a few devices to be tested. Stay tuned for more updates on Project Euphonia, more details about Google Stadia and upcoming Android Automotive.
Let’s take a look at the major announcements made at the Google I/O event.
Contents
Pixel Devices For Masses
Finally, the cheaper Pixel devices are here running on the latest versions of Android with an awesome camera at the back. After a dull phase with the original Pixel devices, the company aims to do some wonder in the entry premium segment. Camera being it’s primary USP, it can certainly target the mass with it’s top features and benefits.
Google Pixel 3A & Pixel 3A XL
The new Pixel 3A with 5.6-inch display starts at Rs 39,999, while the 6-inch Pixel 3A XL starts at Rs 44,999. The new Pixel devices come with the same software and slightly toned down features as existing Pixel phones. Most importantly, the camera remains the same on Pixel 3A smartphones supporting all the important features including night mode and portrait mode.
Newly Improved Google Assistant
The most popular AI powered Google Assistant will get an upgrade later this year. The company will be adding a few personalization features. Google Assistant will be able to offer more better information based on your contacts, calendar and places you often visit online.
New Larger Google Smart Screen
The smart-screen home device from last year will be soon available in a larger version which can double as a Nest security system. The upcoming Google device will be called Google Nest Hub Max. It also supports video chatting via Google’s Duo app. There’s even a face-detection for better security with certain movement action functions.
Getting Deep With AI
The internet giant is trying to make artificial intelligence less biased. The company is said to be working on more transparent machine-learning models that will help to shorten up the bias created by AI. The use of such technologies is a growing concern for many. As long as user data is easily accessible and if the same data is used to train an AI system, and it turns out biased, this may end up in a total mess.
Improved Security On Android Devices
Android senior director Stephanie Cuthbertson said at the event that the company and developers are focusing on prime security on Android devices. The upcoming Android Q will essentially emphasize on security and privacy with more settings and faster software updates to support different security issues in the background.
Special Android OS For Foldable Devices
Foldable smartphones are unavoidable. The rise will happen soon and it will be part of the mainstream smartphone industry in a few years, and Google knows it. Google is working on its own Android version specifically made for foldable devices. The latest Android Q will come to foldable smartphones via multiple OEMs.
Android Q Gets Dark Mode
Thee next-generation Android mobile operating system will be getting a system wide dark mode. Devices running on Android Q will come with the new dark mode with backgrounds on black and text white. This will help a device to run long with less strain on the eyes.
New Features For Digital Wellbeing
Google has added certain features to its existing “digital wellbeing” program. Launched last year, Digital Wellbeing aims to help users to maintain a balance between using smartphones and life. According to Google, 90 percent of people who use its timers stick to their goals to use apps less. The newer addition is the “Focus Mode”. It disables “distracting” apps such as YouTube and Facebook.
Android Q Beta Support Full List
The extended support of Android Q Beta OS version will be available in a total of 21 devices as of now. The 10th version of Android, Android Q, was previously limited to six Google Pixel devices only. A total of 12 third party companies have joined the program. Here’s the list of all the 21 Android devices which will be able run the early Beta Android Q OS.
-OnePlus 6T
-Oppo Reno
-Realme 3 Pro Zenfone 5z
-Essential Phone
-Huawei Mate 20 Pro
-LG G8
-Nokia 8.1
-Sony Xperia XZ3
-Tecno Spark 3 Pro
-Google Pixel 3
-Google Pixel 3 XL
-Google Pixel 2
-Google Pixel 2 XL
-Google Pixel
-Google Pixel XL
-Vivo X27
-Vivo NEX S
-Vivo NEX A
-Xiaomi Mi 9
-Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 5G
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