Google I/O 2016: Here’s what to expect from the keynote
It’s that time of year again.
Google’s I/O 2016 annual developer conference is scheduled to kick off in San Francisco on 18 May, with a main keynote that begins at 9:30 AM PST. It should last about 2.5 hours. You can tune into the live-stream from here. Until then, Pocket-lint has browsed through all the speculation and rumours to round up everything Google might discuss during its lengthy presentation.
Google typically uses I/O to unveil the next major update to Android or showcase upcoming products (both hardware and software). We plan to continually update this article with leaks and more, so bookmark this page for all the latest. If you’d like to know more about how to get tickets to Google I/O, so you can watch things go down in person, check out this round-up.
Google I/O 2016: What events are scheduled?
Google’s I/O website doesn’t yet reveal which events are scheduled between 18 May and 20 May (the dates of the actual conference), but the company has announced that its main keynote – now called the “developer festival” – will be held at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View.
Google I/O 2016: When can you expect from the keynote?
Android N
Keep in mind there is typically a two-year gap between major updates to Android. This year’s update goes by the codename Android N, though it’ll eventually get a dessert-inspired name. (Android Lollipop was once Android L.)
Google might preview Android 7.0 Nougat or Nutella or some other sweet that begins with N. New features are thought to include improved battery management options, a Dark Theme, and a Force Touch-like pressure technology.
- Read more: Want to name Android N?
- Pocket-lint hub: Android N
Pocket-lint
Chrome OS
The Wall Street Journal claimed Chrome OS will be unified with Android, this merging Google’s laptop and mobile experiences. Google later said it’s been working on ways to bring “together the best of both operating systems.”
- Read more: Google on Chrome OS Android
- Pocket-lint hub: Chrome OS
Pocket-lint
Android Wear
Google has updated Android Wear over the last year, adding better gesture support and Wi-Fi capabilities, but it might announce more improvements, such as improved voice control and more gesture controls.
It could even showcase new devices. Also, Android Wear became iOS compatible in 2015, so Windows Phone could be up next.
- Read more: What’s Android Wear really like on iPhone?
- Pocket-lint hub: Android Wear
Google
Android Auto
It’s likely that Google will announce new car models compatible with Android Auto as well as more third-party apps compatible with company’s infotainment system. Waze, which Google acquired, could even be integrated.
- Read more: Android Auto: How does it work and when will it be out?
- Pocket-lint hub: Android Wear
Pocket-lint
Virtual reality
Google is going to go all out with virtual reality in 2016.
Google is reportedly developing a VR headset that is more legit than Cardboard but requires a smartphone. The Wall Street Journal claimed Google is also developing a device described as an “all-in-one virtual-reality headset”, and it doesn’t require a phone, PC, or a game console.
We’re in early-days territory still however, so who knows if Google will elaborate on its VR plans during Google I/O in May.
- Read more: Google’s virtual reality headset: What’s the story so far?
- Pocket-lint hub: Virtual Reality
Google
Self-driving cars
Google could give an update on its driverless vehicle program, including what’s next for the prototype. Keep in mind Google said in September that it doesn’t actually intend to manufacture physical cars to sell to customers.
- Read more: Google is testing wireless charging for self-driving cars
- Pocket-lint hub: Driverless Cars
Google Images
Project Ara
Google’s modular smartphone project debuted in 2013 but still hasn’t released. The official Project Ara Twitter page claimed the device would go on sale in 2016 in the US but not much else is known. Google could therefore provide us with more details about the project at Google I/O.
- Read more: Google’s Project Ara: Everything you need to know
- Pocket-lint hub: Project Ara
Lenovo
Project Tango
At CES in January, Lenovo announced it plans to launch a Project Tango smartphone this summer. We can expect to hear more on this at I/O. This phone would use motion-tracking and depth-sensing to overlay a 3D world onto physical surroundings (aka augmented reality).
- Read more: Project Tango hits smartphones
- Pocket-lint hub: Project Tango
Google
Project Fi
Google’s Project Fi is a cross-carrier network that automatically switches carriers and finds open Wi-Fi to provide you with a solid connection at all times. It is only available for Nexus devices, but Google could announce an expansion to non-Nexus devices during Google I/O.
- Read more: Project Fi: 9 things to know
- Pocket-lint hub: Project Fi
Google
Smarthome
Google offers the OnHub wireless smart router. Plus, it acquired Nest in 2014, a maker of smart thermostats and more. And during its last I/O event, Google announced Google Brillo, an operating system designed specifically for the Internet of Things sector.
We are therefore certain Google will make IoT a focus at I/O 2016.
- Read more: What is Google Brillo and when will it arrive?
- Pocket-lint hub: Google Brillo
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