Google has released the official Android app for its upcoming Google I/O conference. The app has a variety of features for those attending the show, as well as some for those who won't be at the event.
Google I/O is the company's yearly conference for developers. Although technically a trade show attended mostly by software developers and programmers, the event is often used as a platform to reveal new technology and demonstrate device prototypes. The Android app accompanying the event will allow those not attending to still get a first look at the new technologies coming our way.
The app has a schedule which shows all the different seminars and workshops taking place at Google I/O. Users can select which events they would like to attend or watch live coverage of, and the app can send a reminder when those events are about to begin.
Despite being useful for just one event, the Google I/O app doesn't seem like something that was rushed out the door with little effort put in. Tapping on any event on the schedule displays information on the topics and speakers that will be present, and gives users the option to add it to their schedule. Seminars can be searched and filtered by subject areas, such as wearable technology or design. Scheduled events can also be added to an existing Google Calendar.
The layout of the Google I/O app is designed to be compatible with both smartphones and tablets, and has a navigation menu that slides out from the left side similar to many other Android apps. The app also has a widget that allows users to view upcoming events directly on the home screen.
The app has an option for viewing conversations on social media related to Google I/O. It also has a prompt to provide feedback to Google after each seminar added to the schedule. A map of the event hall can guide those attending in person to their chosen sessions, and for those not attending, a video library contains video from conferences in previous years.
The app is available now at no cost on the Google Play store. Google I/O will take place June 25 and 26 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif.
