Google I/O 2015: Android M, Project Brillo and everything else you need to know...
Google has
announced a new version of Android ('M') with a focus on battery
performance, integrated mobile payments and contextual Google Now
searches, at its annual I/O developers conference.
Google
also unveiled its plans for virtual reality, a new Google Photos
product, Project Brillo (its operating system for the internet of
things) and much more at the Moscone West Convention Center in San Francisco.
Google's I/O conferences have a habit of ranging from the sublime
to the extremely dull, but 2015's event was a swift and varied one,
only slightly lacking in the blockbuster devices announcements and
transformative tech for which the conference has become known in recent
years. In particular Android Wear, Google's wearable OS, received no new updates or devices.
Here is everything you need to know about this year's announcements:Android M
Google identified six core areas of improvement:
- App Permissions: Google will simplify permissions, making it clear to users when they use a feature for the first time whether the app needs to use the camera, location data, or other information about a user and their device. Previously apps would ask upon installation for permission to each of the features it might possibly require. In Android M users will be able to see which apps use which elements of their devices more easily, and decide if they want to revoke that permission in a more granular way.
- Web Experience: Google is introducing a way for developers to use Chrome as the core of an in-app web browser, rather than having to build a separate browser (which lacks access to the other features of Chrome). "Custom Tabs" should be able to make it faster and easier to use the web in apps across your device.
- App Links: Google will make it easier for apps to indicate which links to open in which apps. This nuanced update allows Android to know to send a user to the Twitter app, for instance, when a Twitter link is clicked, rather than presenting a list of possible apps with which to open it.
- Android Pay: this is Android's take on Apple's integrated mobile payments system and is focused on "simplicity, safety and choice". Like Apple Pay, your credit card data is not shared with stores on payment -- rather it uses a different ID number to verify the payment. It's launching in the US first, of course, with no word on a UK release yet.
- Fingerprint Support: this system standardises fingerprint sensors in Android, much like TouchID in Apple iPhones and iPads. Fingerprint sensors have been seen in many Android-based phones, but the user experience has varied (often verging on poor). The new API brings access to the sensors, of whatever type, to app developers too -- meaning better and swifter verification for apps of all kinds (including Android Pay, see above).
- Power: Android M will provide a big boost to battery life and charging times, Google said. Android will be "smarter about managing power", draining the phone less when not in use with a core feature called Doze. Google said the improvement could see devices lasting twice as long on standby. It will also introduce the new USB type C port as standard.
Android Wear
Google kept its Android Wear announcements on familiar ground, running through the recent 5.1.1 update that enables users to draw emoji, control watches with gestures and get easier access to apps. Google did announce that there are now 4,000 apps built specifically for its wearables platform, but that's already surpassed by Apple Watch's own range of apps -- making the applause a little muted. Any hopes of new hardware or OS features were also dashed -- if there is a new Moto 360 watch coming (and we assume there is) it's not quite ready yet.Project Brillo
Google unveiled the "underlying operating system for the Internet of Things". Brillo is derived from Android -- running on the same core of drivers and code, but simplified so that it can be used on everything from locks to kitchen devices. On top of this layer Google places "Weave", a "common language" for devices to talk to each other, to the cloud and to your smart devices. The aim is to standardise devices on the IoT, across different platforms, and let developers build apps on top. "This is the beginning of a journey" said Pichai. It will be released and "ready to go" by Q4 of 2015. "For the first time we are bringing a comprehensive solution," Pichai added.Google Now
In its quest to "make the smartphone smarter", Google said it wants to help users to assist them wherever you are on your phone. The system "Now On Tap" will let Android M users make searches, in context, within apps. So if you're listening to Andrew WK, and say "OK Google, what's his real name", Now will pop up and tell you "Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier". It will also give you contextual information just by holding the home button on your phone. In another example, Now will know if you're reading a message about going for dinner at a restaurant, and give you information on demand about where you're going to eat. Of course all of that requires data -- and your willingness to give it to Google.
Google Photos
As expected Google has pulled its Photos collection and editing functionality out of Google+ and turned it into a new, separate product -- though one very much reminiscent of the previous tool. The system is designed to organise your photo and video collection, enhance and collect them into stories automatically and make it easier to share them with your friends and family.The Android, iOS and Web app will let you easily search across years, months and events and browse them on the web or any smart device, backed up automatically. It will also learn about your pictures, establishing automatically the sorts of places you like to go (beaches, bars...?) and collecting them into groups. It will also group photos by the person featured in an image -- including over time, so it will learn to adjust its search parameters as the person ages.
Sharing is also made easier by simply selecting photos in the app, tapping "Get a Link", and sending it across whatever service you want.
Best of all? It offers unlimited storage for photos and videos, at high resolution (up to 16 megapixels) for free.
Virtual Reality
- First, Google unveiled a new version of Google Cardboard, its foldable, very low cost VR viewer. The new version has an improved button, fits larger phones (including the Nexus 6) and will support iOS as well as Android.
- In education, Google announced "Expeditions", a new plan to use virtual reality to take kids to the Moon, the Great Wall of China, or even the bottom of the ocean. Teachers will receive a box of phones and viewers, all synchronised, which let classes go on virtual field trips.
- "Jump" -- a new camera system to enable "any creator" to capture VR video. The system has a specialised camera rig, software to translate the video and a player to distribute the videos. The aim is to increase the variety and type of images and videos available to view through VR systems. Crucially the system is able to create 3D effects automatically -- allowing the sensation of depth and truly realistic images, rather than 2D videos stiched together artificially. Google said plans will be available in the summer. Google said that GoPro plans to build and sell a 360-degree area configured to work with Jump. YouTube will support the stereoscopic videos.
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