This year, Google's I/O conference will not be the same for some reasons. First, it's taking place at Mountain View, California - the seat of its headquarters - and second, it's a 10th anniversary milestone. But of course, there's a whole lot more to talk about.
The event kicks off on Wednesday at 10AM P.T. / 7AM E.T. and runs until Friday. Without further ado, here are five things we expect to show up at the conference:
1. Android N
Android is a natural highlight in every I/O conference. But because Google previously talked about it, we're curious to find out more. Mashable recalls that the company already pushed developer builds of the mobile operating system, but this time, perhaps we're bound to learn what N stands for. Could it be Nutella, Nerds, Nutcracker or something else?
2. Android VR
It has since been reported that Google is working on VR features for Android, and the latest word pegs to see a VR headset that operates on its own. As a matter of fact, the term "Android VR" has already appeared at the Google Play Developer Console, so we'll just have to wait to find out what it entails.
3. Chirp
"Chirp" is said to be Google's response to Amazon's Echo. Recode tells this will be a hardware device that "Google's search and voice assistant technology," resembling the company's own OnHub wireless router.
4. Chrome OS
Signs of Android and Chrome OS meeting at an intersection are no longer surprising. How soon they become "one" is a different story, and an exciting one. As per The Verge, it could be Chrome OS running most Android apps in Google Play, which would encourage devs doing better in favor of larger screens.
5. Spaces
Spaces, Google's group-sharing app, is announced on Monday. The software supposedly connects people quickly to share around virtually any topic of interest. Chrome, Google Search and YouTube are built-in, making the sharing process convenient.
It will certainly draw attention in the upcoming conference, because Google itself promised, "We'll also be experimenting with Spaces this week at Google I/O. We've created a space for each session so that developers can connect with each other and Googlers around topics at I/O, and we've got a few surprises too."
These are just few things to see from Wednesday. What do you look forward to learn about?
