Google I/O 2018, this year's version of the annual developer conference, is just around the corner, promising the latest updates for the various platforms and technology of Google.
The Google I/O 2018 details were revealed in January through an online game. The annual event will run from May 8 to May 10, and for the third year in a row, it will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.
Here's what to expect from Google I/O 2018.
Google Assistant And Google Home
Google recently revealed that Google Assistant now works with 5,000 smart home devices. At Google I/O 2018, the company may reveal plans to allow developers to integrate the digital assistant into their apps.
Google Home, which has appeared in the past two Google I/O conferences, will likely make it a third straight year. The question on everybody's mind is what Google is planning for the smart speaker to better challenge the Amazon Echo.
Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality
This year's version of the event will not have a virtual realty-specific keynote like in recent years, but the Google I/O 2018 schedule is filled with VR and AR sessions.
Google will likely announce and demonstrate and improvements that it has made on its Daydream VR platform. Google may also announce updates for Project Tango, which brings VR and AR technology to smartphones.
The Revival Of Wear OS
Wear OS, the rebranded version of Android Wear, will likely make its return to Google I/O after being an afterthought in last year's event. Google, which recently added new features to the Wear OS platform to expand the capabilities of Google Assistant, may further elaborate on these changes at the conference.
Android P Name, Features, And Release Date
Arguably the biggest thing expected at Google I/O 2018 is the announcement of Android P.
Last year's Android O, which turned out to be Android Oreo, gave a structural overhaul of the mobile operating system with changes such as revamped notifications and streamlined updates. Android P, on the other hand, appears to focus on improvements to visual elements and interface design.
Various rumors on Android P include a report that it will be named Android Popsicle. Also, a separate leak indicates that it will enable gesture navigation similar to the iPhone X.
All these rumors and leaks will finally be confirmed or debunked soon. Users will also find out whether the Android P release date will follow the trend and be set in August.
Google I/O 2018 Livestream
Google I/O 2018 will be packed with many more announcements revolving around topics such as Android Auto, gaming, artificial intelligence, and material design.
Google usually launches a livestream for the Google I/O keynotes, so for those who want to watch what Google has in store, they can keep an eye on the official Google I/O website.
