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Last week Google held its I/O Developer’s Conference and announced loads of new tech that will become a reality by the end of the year. What may seem futuristic now will probably be taken for granted by the time next year’s I/O Conference comes around.
The new tech from Google will affect our daily lives, how we interact with our phones, cars, TV’s, and watches. As much as tech has infiltrated our routines during the past decade (when was the last time you looked at a paper map?), the changes in our near future will be coming faster, making the impact of technology more apparent in our lives.
Here are some of the highlights of Google’s announcements last week, showing you what to expect for the future of tech. For Google, “future” means by the end of 2014.
Android 5.0 L
Google announced a significant update to its Android mobile operating system that will take it well beyond phones and tablets. This platform will be used much more broadly and have greater capabilities than ever before.
Indicating the power of this Android update, Google abandoned its previous method of naming Android updates after desserts such as froyo, gingerbread and KitKat. Rather than calling this Android 5.0 update Laffy Taffy, Google is simply naming this update Android L. With all of the promise this version holds, a non-dessert name suits it best.
Material Design
Android L enables developers to give the appearance of depth with a feature Google calls Material Design. Displays can have shadows, ripple effects and dimension which can adapt to different screen sizes.
Notifications
Notifications on Android phones will appear on the lock screen and you’ll be able to act on them without unlocking the phone. Similarly, notifications can appear within apps and you’ll be able to act on them without leaving the app you have open.
Battery Historian
Android will show you how much battery power each of your apps have been using with a new feature called Battery Historian. Google said that this can save users up to 90% of battery life.
Unlocking
If you’re not a fan of passwords, you’ll like the new unlocking features of Android L. You can designate “safety zones”, such as work or home, where you don’t need to have your phone locked. When you’re in those zones you won’t have to enter a password to unlock your phone.
Phones can also detect when an Android wearable is within range and can be programmed to require a password only when the wearable is out of range.
Improved Security
Android L will feature better security with malware protection, security patches and factory reset options.
More Information about Android L
For a more thorough discussion of changes coming to Android L, see XDA Developers A Closer Look at the User Interface Changes in Android L.
Android Wear
Google also announced Android Wear, a platform for smartwatches that makes them much more powerful, functional and interactive. Samsung, LG and Motorola all have built watches using Android Wear so you’ll have a choice if you want to sport an Android Wear watch on your wrist.
Android Wear offers developers many options to improve both the appearance and functionality of wearables. The screen can be round, square or rectangular. You’ll be able to use voice and touch screen commands to operate apps. Notifications will alert you via vibrations and on-screen messages.
You can use your watch to control not only the watch itself but also your phone, car, TV and other third party devices such as a sound system. You’ll be able to decline calls, see who’s calling, put your phone into a do not disturb mode.
Your Android Wear watch can conduct Google searches, set calendar appointments, make restaurant reservations, order a pizza, and pay for it. You’ll be able to monitor your fitness data, such as heart rate and step count, which can be displayed on the watch face and your phone.
Google Fit
Users can measure their fitness through Android Wear and then see the big picture of their health with Google Fit. This feature will combine the data from various apps, such as heart rate, steps taken and blood sugar level to give you an overall health and fitness assessment.
Android Auto
The next time you’re shopping for a new car you may ask the dealer not only about fuel economy, performance and standard features. You’ll also want to know which phone the car is compatible with: Android or iPhone?
Android Auto is a powerful platform that uses apps from your phone on your car. You can use your voice and your car’s controls to interact with the apps from your phone displayed on your dashboard. The car’s display will mirror the display on your phone’s screen so you can control music, navigation and communication apps.
No longer do you have to worry about outdated maps in your car’s GPS unit. With Android Auto Google Maps will be displayed, giving you turn-by-turn navigation, Google Earth, Google Street View, Live Traffic, all with current information. Being a search engine comes in handy as Google can look up locations and guide you there without you ever having to type in an address.
→ See, Google Maps Traffic – The Answer to Your Traffic Nightmares for more information about Google Traffic.
Google has joined with the Open Automotive Alliance, a partnership with over 40 vehicle manufacturers to begin bringing Android Auto to cars by the end of 2014.
Android TV
Your TV will become another screen connected to your phone with the launch of Android TV. With Android TV you can play games, interact with apps and control your TV from your Android Wear watch. You can use Voice Search to find videos for viewing from sources such as Netflix or Google Play, and get more information about what you’re watching.
Android TV launches in the fall built into certain television sets from Sony, Sharp and TP Vision, and by the end of the year as a stand-alone box from manufacturers such as Asus and Razer.
Chromebook Computers
Chromebooks have become extremely popular, holding all of the top 10 highest rated slots in Amazon’s computer list, according to Google. Apps will be available on Chromebooks so you will be able to use the mobile versions of services such as Evernote and Vine.
Your Android phone will connect to your Chromebook so your Chromebook can unlock if your phone is nearby and unlocked. You’ll be able to get notifications of phone calls and read text messages on your Chromebook through your Android phone and get a notification when your phone’s battery is running low.
Android One
Google will be launching a low-cost Android phone this fall called Android One. For $99 you’ll get a phone with a 4.5″ screen, two SIM cards, and an SD card for expandable storage. The phone will begin shipping this fall.
More Information about Google’s I/O Conference
If you want to learn more about what was announced last week from Google during the conference, check out the 2 1/2 hour keynote address that covered these tech topics and much more:
Your Thoughts
Which announcement from Google was the most exciting to you? Do you like the idea of your TV, computer, watch and car being connected to your phone? Would you choose a car based on your phone? Would you choose a phone based on your car? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Hey Carolyn,
So you can call me ignorant because you know I still am when it comes to a lot of tech but does Google own Android? Seems like they’re talking a lot about only Androids so I’m thinking possibly since Apple is the iPhone, etc. You know me, so not techie when it comes to this stuff.
I’m not surprised about the advanced things coming when in relation to our phones, apps and car capabilities all connecting together. Kind of like a James Bond movie with all the cool tech that is now pretty much arrived.
As always, delivering the news and we definitely appreciate you for staying on top of things. Thanks Carolyn!
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, Google is the owner and developer of the Android operating system. Android was launched by Google in 2007 and has quickly become the largest mobile operating system in the world.
By expanding the many uses of Android, Google will be enabling manufacturers to bring more technology into their products, such as watches, cars and TV’s.
You’re right, these announcements seem very futuristic, but they will be here before the end of 2014. The pace of technological advancements is definitely increasing which is why learning about these developments is so very important.
Hi Carolyn,
That’s huge updates you bring up here. I have an android phone and they are more prone to security issues, now I think Google has taken serious steps to cover up this issue. I have heard about “Android One” few days ago and it certainly a good step by Google to ensure low cost smartphones so that lower budget people can also have Smartphones.
Hi Pankaj, You’re right, these updates are huge. The way that Android will be connected to so many devices will mean big changes in technology. This also means that you will become more committed to which type of cell phone you use. Switching to a different platform will be more difficult if your appliances, computer, car, TV and watch are all connected to your phone. And what happens if family members have different kinds of phones?
Yes, expanding Android’s market into a lower cost price range makes a lot of sense and makes smartphones an option for many people who wouldn’t have considered a more expensive phone.
The future of tech truly is remarkable.
Hi Carolyn,
This technology doesn’t stop to amaze me. The one that really caught my eye is Android Auto. The days of paper maps are definitely over with. Funny thing is that I still carry one in my car 🙂 and never got a GPS yet as up today. Not because I couldn’t afford one, but never really had a need for it so far, but I’m sure I will, or maybe get a brand new car with the type of technology that will allow me to get that Android Auto thing. Must be very cool!
Thanks for always keeping us up to date with those things.
Hi Sylviane, Yes, I love the idea of being able to use your phone’s apps in your car. I have a GPS in my car with 4 year old maps that can’t be updated so to have current maps would be very handy. Every time I travel on new roads my car gets very confused! I also pay for traffic information which would be free with Google Maps.
But I’m also concerned about being committed to a phone platform if I get a certain kind of car. Right now I have Ford with Sync which works with both iPhone and Android. I’m not in the market for a new car but if I were I would want one that would be as broadly compatible as possible.
When I bought my car I was returning to the US from living in England and tech was a big part of my decision. I’m glad I have Ford Sync and use it every time I drive. Getting back into the market for a car would require quite a bit of research into which car has which tech.
Hi Carolyn,
I sometimes wonder about the rate of technological advances and what the impact will be.
My grandfather used to have horse drawn carts deliver milk and eggs. Compare that to anyone born in this decade and what their experience will be. I think if TV’s and computer are connected to our phones, more driver distraction laws will be necessary.
Have a nice week.
Hi Bill, Yes, when I think about how different life was only 100 year ago, I appreciate the rapid rate of change we’re experiencing. Keeping up with technology will be more challenging yet more important.
You bring up an excellent point. Not all change is good and these additions to your car’s dashboard could be distracting. I don’t know if there will be restrictions on which apps can be displayed on your dashboard, but there should be. Drivers could easily be distracted by Facebook posts, tweets, YouTube videos, etc.
Hi Carolyn,
Google live traffic appeals to me. I like Google maps and Streetview, but live traffic could help us avoid traffic jams. It’s not unusual for jams to bring everything to a standstill for hours. I reallt detest traffic jams. I don’t think I have been the same since i got stuck in one and that was only 30 minutes of hell!
Hi Mike, Yes, Google Live Traffic was the killer app that made me get a smartphone. I was stuck on the M40 for 2 hours in a traffic jam one afternoon bringing my daughters home from school. If I had checked Google Maps, I could have avoided the congestion easily!
Haha! I had always wondered about the sweet update names. I’m excited about Andriod Auto after driving in circles trying to get to the beach on my girls weekend trip,ugh! Outdated maps in a car’s GPS unit is a real problem;this is a practical solution. Thanks for the great read Carolyn!
Hi Charlena, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, outdated maps can be frustrating and downright dangerous. How great that Google Maps could appear on our dashboards, complete with real-time traffic. This could be a big selling feature for cars.