Though the volts will surge through another day, the first day of Google I/O 2014, which started June 25, electrified the tech world with confirmation of some of the hottest rumors that built up ahead of the annual conference.
The Scoop on OS "L"
Some analysts feared Google wasn't ready to break away from the KitKat version of the Android OS, but the tech company confirmed the "L" version of Android was slated for a fall 2014 release and revealed that developers would have access to it immediately.
As Google prepares to release API 19, an application programming interface, HTC stated that it was ready to embrace the new version of the Android OS and would roll out updates in 90 days or less for its HTC One handsets.
"HTC is excited about the new features in Android L and we can't wait to share them with our customers," read a statement from HTC. "We are committed to updating our flagship HTC One family as fast as possible."
It wasn't immediately clear if the "L" version of the OS will be deemed Android 4.5 or 5.0.
Google Auto Drives On
With Android Auto all but confirmed heading into the 2014 conference, Google released details on how the new variant of its Android OS will serve drivers. Essentially, Google Auto will inferface mobile devices with dashboard displays inside vehicles. Google Auto will attempt to engage drivers through voice exchanges, relaying notifications and accepting voice input to keep the driver's eye from peering down to the display.
Android TV Update
Like Google Auto, Android TV was another variant of the Android OS designed to link Android-based hardware to TV sets. Along with apps and streaming TV, Android TV will also enable users to "Cast" browser tabs onto their TV screens -- a feature borrowed from Google's Chromecast. Android TV will include voice-search tools and channel guides that users can invoke from a variety of Android devices, included the smart watches the company has been pushing.
Google Wear Platform
Google showed off it's Android Wear platform and revealed that Samsung and LG would begin taking early orders as soon as June 25 for the company's Android-powered smart watches. The smart watches were said to link up with mobile devices running on Android 4.3 or later and deliver the most important notifications on the watch face, helping to offset some of the 125 glances Google estimated users give to their smartphones each day.
The Google Wear platform has already been released to developers, with hopes that new apps for Android-powered smart watches and other wearable tech will roll out in time for the 2014 holiday season.
