Not everyone gets to go to the Google I/O conference. Thankfully, there is plenty of coverage and tons of blog posts that have us covered.
For those who want a brief breakdown of the important components, here’s a breakdown from Trend Blog.
Google Play game services
Features to include:
- Sync games across devices
- Cloud save
- Leaderboards
- Cross-platform games
Improved Google search
No-interface approach:
- Search by saying, “OK Google”
- Conversational search
- It will answer, converse, and anticipate next search
New Google Maps
New features to include:
- Ground-up redesign
- Enhanced walking and driving directions
- Edge-to-edge content
- Interactive maps
- Live traffic alerts
- iPad app coming soon
Google Play music
New subscription service:
- “All access”
- Available in the US
- $9.99/mo
- $7.99/mo if you subscribe before June 30th
Google Hangouts
Improved messaging:
- “One chat to rule them all”
- Replaces Google Talk, Google+ Video Chat, and Google+ Messenger
- Available for Android, iOS, and Chrome
- Consistent look across devices and platforms
Google Plus Photos
Auto enhance:
- “Auto-enhance your photos with skin softening, noise reduction, and more
- Google highlights your best photos based on algorithms
- Auto Awesome includes HDR, animated GIFs, and more
- 15GB cloud storage for full size photos
Visualized
In case you want a handy dandy chart detailing these changes, here you go.
Google I/O 2013 Announcements by trendblog.net
The keynote
Finally, if you have some time to spend, here’s the 3 hour, 25 minute keynote.
