Google I/O 2021: smart canvas, locked photos folder and every new feature unveiled
Google I/O 2021: smart canvas, locked photos folder and every new feature unveiled
After Google was forced to cancel its I/O developer conference last year due to the covid-19 pandemic, the popular developer conference has returned. In accordance with the covid-19 protocols that remain in effect, this year's event will take place virtually from May 18 to May 20, with viewers tuning in from all over the world.
Prior to Sundar Pichai taking the stage to officially open the event, a pre-show featuring a machine learning musical performance by David Li and Google Arts and Culture aired.
Mr Pichai began the event by providing an overview of the latest additions to the Google family of apps. Google Maps and other apps now include new features such as Smart Routing and Eco-friendly routes to help people spend less time on the road and reduce vehicle carbon emissions.
Some of the new additions you can be expecting are:
Smart canvas is here
Google launched a new tool on Tuesday that it claims will improve workplace collaboration. The canvas can be used to plan a marketing campaign and organize details such as project members, critical information to note prior to each virtual session, next steps, and product ideas.
Android devices have surpassed 3 billion in number
According to Samer Samat, Google's vice president of product management, the number of Android devices on the market has surpassed 3 billion. This represents an increase of over 500 million new devices since the previous I/O in 2019.
The figure was derived from the Google Play Store and does not include devices that are based on Android but use alternative app stores, such as Amazon Fire devices.
This figure confirms that a greater proportion of device users prefer Android to Apple's iOS devices. Apple announced earlier in 2021 at a conference that the total number of iOS devices worldwide had surpassed one billion.
Google Photos now includes a feature called 'Locked Folder’
At times, we want to share a photo or two with someone but do not want them to have access to the rest of the gallery. Google announced in one of its announcements that it now allows users to create a Locked Folder within Google Photos to store sensitive images.
Once a photo is saved in this secured folder, it cannot be accessed without a password, fingerprint, or another method of unlocking the phone. Google used the example of a parent attempting to conceal the image of a puppy from their child because the pet is to be a surprise gift. However, the secured photos folder will discover additional real-world applications.
Additionally, photos will gain new cinematic features that will enable users to create animated images from still images. The company says that as part of its announcements, its camera and imaging products will gain features that make them more inclusive of various skin tones.
LaMDA will improve the natural flow of conversation
Pichai demonstrated the company's advancements in artificial intelligence-based language understanding using an experimental model called LaMDA. The model was capable of conversing with itself as if it were Pluto, the dwarf planet. The LaMDA model pretended to be Pluto and conversed with Pichai about past events on the dwarf planet.
Likewise, it was capable of interacting and conversing as if it were a paper airplane. The demonstration demonstrated what it would be like to communicate with Pluto and other inanimate objects.
Language understanding is critical to Google's work, given the massive amount of data it collects and filters on a daily basis. If it can train AI to better understand the complexities and nuances of different languages, it will be able to significantly improve its core products such as Search, Assistant, and others.
Pichai, however, noted that the model is still limited in some ways due to the research's infancy. “It's amazing how rational and interesting the conversation is,” he stated. However, this is early research, and it may not get everything right.”
Looks like Android 12’s mantra is Be big
Google is clearly emphasizing the qualities of being bigger and more accessible in its preview of Android 12 beta at this year's I/O. On devices running the OS, icons and other design elements are larger, and there is more animation and playfulness in the elements than in previous versions.
Android 12 also includes privacy and security enhancements. It notifies users when their camera or microphone is being used, and it includes new widgets and a redesigned lock screen. The colors displayed on the phone by the OS can now be changed simply by changing the wallpaper, thanks to the new Theming features included in the latest OS update. Adjusting features such as the brightness and volume sliders will be simplified.
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