What to Expect Out of Google I/O

Tech News on Both Coasts!

What’s ahead for Android in 2014? Google’s got the answers and they’re laying it all out this week at Google I/O in San Francisco.

Now, as you know, we’re in New York for CE Week – don’t forget to watch us live at geekbeat.tv/live! And I mean right now… we’re probably live as you’re watching this! If you miss anything, you can see it all that at geekbeat.tv/ceweek. So we’re taking a look at what we EXPECT from I/O. We’ll keep you updated on the actual announcements as they happen at geekbeat.tv.

Watch for Wearables

A look at the schedule shows a lot of attention being given to wearables. Earlier this year, Google rolled out Android Wear software that’ll initially power Android watches. At Google I/O, developers will learn more about creating apps for those wristbands, as well as what other devices, like smartphones, that they can interact with. If Google’s vision is realized we’ll all be talking into our watches just like Dick Tracy did in the comic strip way back in 1946!

By the way, keep an eye on Sergey Brin’s wrist for a possible sighting of the Moto 360 circular Android Smartwatch. It’s expected to feature wireless inductive charging and maybe come to market at around $250.

Get Ready to Tango

Google’s also ready to Tango at I/O. Project Tango that is. Tango is a prototype tablet with sensors that map 3D motion and depth. Its roll-out is similar to Google Glass…. developers should be able to sign up for the privilege of paying a thousand dollars to get their hands on a production prototype. At I/O those developers will learn more about making applications for the Tegra K-1 powered 7-inch tablet that tracks full three dimensional motion and maps surfaces around it.

Hmm… if some people had problems with Google “Glassholes” before, wait until they get a taste of Tango capturing 3D images of their businesses! But that’s a story for another day….

Moonshine May Become a Lollipop

It’s a given that Android itself will get a refresh of some sort at I/O. There’s speculation that Project Moonshine could soon come to light as an update of the current version of Android 4.4 Kit Kat. If that’s right and Google opts for a full-blown jump to Android 5, rather than an incremental upgrade to Kit Kat 4.5, many of you who obsess over Google’s cute Candyland nick-name conventions are guessing we’re heading from “Kit Kat” to “Lollipop”. No Licorice?

Chromecast Developments

Chromecast is also getting some love with sessions on Google Cast which Google hopes will lead to more apps that allow you to send media from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV. Given everything else going on in Google-land it may not be long until you can talk into your Android smartwatch to activate an app on your smartphone to call up a video playlist and then “cast” it to your television set!

Even Nest is on the Agenda

Got a Nest smart thermostat in your home? It could become even smarter. Google I/O has set aside a session for a “Nest Developer Program” which suggests Nest apps and links to other devices in the home may be on the horizon. Voice control via an Android smartwatch comes to mind as an obvious choice.

So to recap: If Google gets its way by this time next year we’ll be talking into our watches while capturing what we see on Google Glass and (assuming you’re a Google Developer) recording the world around you in 3D on a Project Tango tablet!