Google's 2014 I/O developer conference kicked off today in San Francisco, and as was widely expected, several big announcements were made during the keynote presentation with regard to the future of Android. Here are of few of the things that were announced:
- Android 5.0, going by the name of "L", was previewed. The upcoming version of the OS will feature support for 64 bit computing, a new design which allows developers to incorporate the illusion of depth into their apps, and enhanced notifications that will allow the user to interact with a notification from within another app. Additionally, Android 5.0 will allow users to set the security level of their phone based on certain parameters such as location or Bluetooth connection. In other words, you would be able to have a lock screen that is ordinarily secured with a PIN, but have that PIN disabled when your phone is at a secure location (such as your house) or when it is connected to a trusted Bluetooth device. The PIN lock would be re-enabled if one of the user defined parameters that disables the lock screen is not met.
- New details of the Android Wear platform were released. The LG G watch was put on display, and used to show off an always on display that displays notifications, as well as the ability to set reminders that are automatically synced to your Android phone. The G watch can be controlled by voice, and voice commands can be used to conduct a Google search as well as launch and interact with apps. The SDK for Android Wear will be made available to developers today, and both the LG G watch and the Samsung Gear Live will go on sale today. The Moto 360 smartwatch will be made available "later this summer"
- Android Auto was presented. The platform will cast a simplified interface from your Android phone to the screen in your car, and will provide context based information such as time and traffic conditions to your destination. As with Android Wear, Android Auto will be voice controlled. The SDK will be released to developers "soon", and so far Google has gotten 40 auto manufacturers on board in support of the platform.
- Android TV got some time and attention as well. The platform will be displayed via a simplified UI that displays shows, apps, and games. As with the other platforms, Android TV will be voice controlled, with the additional ability to control certain TV functions with your Android phone, tablet, or Android Wear device. Android TV will bring Google Play Games to the big screen, with support for multiplayer games that can be played with various devices such as a traditional controller, phone, or tablet. A few television manufacturers, Sony and Sharp being the biggest, have pledged to have Android TV built in to upcoming sets, while Razer and Asus have stated they will manufacture set top boxes.
- An Android for Work program was announced. Google is making a push to get deeper into the enterprise market, and this initiative will allow users to segregate work data and apps that need to be kept to a certain security standard from their everyday user apps and data. Android for Work will be compatible with devices running Android 4.0 and above.
There was much more announced and detailed than what I've described above, particularly with respect to Chromebooks and Chromecast devices. Undoubtedly there will be more to report on as I/O continues into tomorrow, but if you want to catch up on what was presented today,
would be a good place to start.
Source: Wired.com
