Google’s annual I/O conference is nearly upon us. The two-day event—where the tech conglomerate often unveils the latest and the next from popular brands like Android and Chrome—kicks off Wednesday at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA.
Many with ears close to the ground in the worlds of mobile and tech have likely eagerly awaited Google I/O, just as they would Facebook’s F8, or the Apple Event. For many others, Google I/O can feel like it’s sneaked onto the top of the various trending lists out there. This is a somewhat dangerous happening for digital marketers.
So, for the uninitiated, or those simply too busy to keep pace with Google’s seemingly endless cycle of iteration, here are the things marketers can look forward to at this year’s Google I/O. For full reference, check out the official schedule.
- Google will 360-degree live-stream the event.
- It will provide more details on Android N, the latest version of mobile operating system, which now accounts for 65.5% of mobile marketshare in the U.S., and 75.6% in Europe.
- Chrome OS and Android have been inching closer toward convergence. It’s pretty safe to assume there will be more updates at the event.
- Virtual reality. From Google’s current Cardboard offerings, to new developments and tech, VR is sure to be the focus of much hype in the days to come. Or months, rather.
- Also expected: Android Wear, the nebulous Internet of Things, likely something on self-driving cars. Smart, connected devices are all the rage, and Google won’t be left behind in the wearables and IoT arms race.
- Google Spaces. This new sharing app was recently unveiled as a solution for the unwieldy process of sharing content with people on messaging apps, or SMS. Expect a bevy of discussion around this app in particular, but trends in SMS and group texting in general.
- According to the official schedule, updates on search, AdWords, and Google’s Play Store are all but assured.
