5 things we expect to hear about at Google I/O 2018

Following months of cryptic puzzles and teases, this year’s Google/IO – the company’s annual developer conference – is finally right around the corner. The festivities officially kick off on May 8 as it runs through May 10 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.

Every summer, Google brings developers from around the world together to showcase their latest products and services. Rumors swirling hint at a number of big reveals, and we’re rounding out 5 of them below.

Android P

Since Google has already released a developer preview of the newest Android operating system early this year, an Android P announcement at the conference is more than likely.

The upcoming operating system is reportedly improving its interface design to adjust to a new wave of Android phones that come with a notch. Additionally, Android P is rumored to be revamping the navigation buttons in favor of the iPhone X’s gesture design. Google is expected to show this off and release the second developer preview this Tuesday.

Wear OS

Originally called Android Wear, the recent rebranding and name change to Wear OS suggests that Google has big plans for its smartwatch software. Just a few days ago, it rolled out a new update that added new features and functions to Google Assistant. Google is possibly shedding more light on this update and discuss how developers can build actions on the platform at the conference.

Google Home and Google Assistant

It’s not entirely clear what announcements for Google Home and Google Assistant are to be expected. The tech giant could be expanding on already added features like Routines, which lets users program a series of smart actions activated by a single command. There’s also a chance for the new Google smart displays, first seen in CES back in January, to make an appearance but, the company might rather save hardware announcements for its Pixel event later this year.

Google Lens

LG confirmed to CNET that Google Lens 2.0 is coming and is going to be showcased at the conference. Google Lens, first announced at I/O 2017 is an app that provides information on objects it identifies through the camera’s viewfinder.

An update could add more ways for users to interact with the information they receive from the app.

Android Auto

Google has allocated a scheduled slot for Android Auto promising to announce “a new media experience” for the in-car infotainment system at the event.

On top of this, the company earlier this year announced Android Auto could soon include voice functions thanks to its Assistant software which could launch at the conference.

How to watch

The event runs from Tuesday, May 8 to Thursday, May 10 with the opening keynote scheduled for 10AM PST or 1AM Manila time. Aside from the official website of the conference, Google has also launched apps for both Android and iOS which contains all information on the event. The Google Developers YouTube channel will livestream the conference. – Rappler.com