Yesterday, the seventh annual Google I/O conference kicked off with viewing parties at far off locations around the world, such as Rosslyn! Organized by our friends at TandemNSI at the Artisphere in Rosslyn, the day started off statistics of vital national importance- specifically the 93 million #selfies taken on Android devices a day. Hopefully more selfies will be taken all over the world on the new Android One–a more affordable “smartphone” with the purpose of disrupting underserved and emerging markets, thereby “changing the world” or something like that!?
Other Clickhole worthy “innovations” announced included the concept of “material design,” which will add a “z” component, transforming (merely scary?) shadows into shadows that are “real-time!” There’s also a new “personal unlocking” feature, which uses voice prints, location data to easily unlock your phone, or simply drain the battery with useless tech wizardry, thereby rendering it useless for thieves - Brilliant!
An area of particular interest to us–Android Wear (OS for wearables)–was unfortunately given less attention during the opening keynotes than we would have liked. Will the new “smart-watches” from Samsung, LG and Motorola be anything more than glorified iPod nanos? So far, ehh, not so much. Although, standardization of SDK / APIs for wearable technology from Google in the form of “Google Fit” is a development we believe has got legs!
Android Auto was unveiled! Having extensively tested the multimedia / GPS systems of every ZipCar imaginable, it is remarkable that automakers have finally realized that they their proprietary navigation and multimedia systems all suck. Now, simply plugging your phone into the car for music, navigation and voice controlled messaging should be available later this year, with a list of 40 partners partners on board.
Since nothing says #MERICA like an more efficient way to stay glued to the couch, we’ll now be able to control the swill available via Android TV with a phone, watch or tablet! Personally, we’d rather have better, cheaper broadband without risk of death via balloon, but okay?!
Also, for those of you with a Chromecast, you will soon no longer need wifi to connect. Prepare for hilarity as scoundrels takeover TVs across the land via HDMI port to stream whatever they please!
Google is doing big things to disrupt multiple markets. The Hooli of Silicon Valley is making moves. As proud Google Partners, GSS will be looking to use these new tools to help with the development of the new Amplifi app. Amplifi is an application that creates “smart playlists” based on your body’s feedback during a workout and sends it straight to your earbuds. You doin’ cardio, bro? Amplifi detects your heart rate and will automatically play tunes best fit for cardio. On a cool down? It will grab some of your favorite chill-lax mixes for you to taper down your workout. It’s like a personal DJ for your fitness routine! Amplifi’s founder, Grant Hill, joined us at the end of the day for a great happy hour, still at Artisphere, connecting with a few old friends and making some new, all conversations about Android and Android Wear, of course!