Google I/O 2014
It was over 2 hours long but the Google I/O keynote is complete. They didn't announce the name of the next version of Android; they referred to it as the "L-Release". So let the speculation continue! (My favorite is Lychee!)
The look of the UI on the new version of Android that supports 64 bit looks completely different with something Google is calling "Material Design". It's a much flatter and simpler feel to it; it looks cleaner with the larger spacing. I still have issues with the Google Music app as it doesn't allow great navigation with the amount of space the large album art and information takes up. The action animations are pretty and provides user context.
The L-Release will also bring features that already existed in the Android universe as standard features. This includes notifications on the lock screen, power-saver mode. Search and multi-tasking is made easier with better indexing.
Personal unlocking for Android and Chrome OS will add much more desired accessibility. Devices will unlock without the normal password/pattern if certain set perimeters are met (e.g. connected to a certain Bluetooth device, location, voice).
Google Drive now supports Microsoft Office files natively including editing; this will definitely take users away from Microsoft Word.
Google Android Wear was announced and I wasn't THAT impressed. I don't think notifications on a watch could excite me anyways. Maybe it'll take a personal experience with it in order to see it's usefulness. It's pretty cool how the phone and watch is so in sync. Google did it right by having the watch application be part of the phone application package. The introduction of Google Fit API is great news; finally a unified place for health devices and information! Of the watches, I would want to give the Samsung Gear a try over the LG watch.
Android TV is Google's most recent attempt to invade the TV market. Google TV has really failed and why not re-market another attempt with the Android brand? Set-top streaming devices seem to be overdone but Google has its huge platform as an advantage to succeed. Pretty cool that you can use Android Wear to control the TV.
Chromecast has added functionality where you don't have to be connected to the same network to cast something. I like to have Chromecast as a large photo frame many hours of the day; now there are options on what photos will be displayed! Google also added casting of your Android device. It would be great to have Android phone notifications show up on Chromecast!
Speaking of Android phone notifications, Chrome OS will display them now! Now, Chromebook users will be able to reply to text messages without finding their phone (similarly to what the Moto X can do). Chrome OS will also be able to run ported Android apps; this convergence of Android and Chrome is amazing.
Google also announced Android Auto for cars which will be supported by most major car makers.
Surprisingly, there was no news on Google Glass...
Google announced so much! From mobile to laptops to wearables to cars to homes, Google is trying to create a platform that users will use everywhere. They are trying to get users to use their products with ease and convenience. Will the average user buy into all of it?