What India could look forward to from Google I/O today

• New features on Android P.
  
• Android Things, the IOT operating system, should be detailed.
  
• More focus on artificial intelligence-driven initiatives.
  

After Microsoft's Build 2018 that went live on 7 May 2018, it's time for Google I/O. The event will start today. The event is expected to answer all our queries about what Google has in store for the next year. You can catch it at Google’s event website.

The event will mainly be focused towards Google’s message to developers. But stil,l we should get a sneak peek into the future of Android phones, Google Home smart speakers and maybe even Google Search.

Android

With Android P already in the market for developers for quite some time, Google will definitely unveil more about its upcoming operating system. The one thing we definitely know is that Android P will support the notch, popularised by the iPhone X.

Google may further elaborate on the pill-shaped button that is to replace the traditional navigation buttons, and new swipe gestures for navigation are also expected. This information was accidentally released in its Android developers blog.

Chrome OS

Chrome OS has been a critical part of Google's overall strategy, while at the same time there's been the question of will-they-or-won't-they about the merging of Android with Chrome OS. So far, the unification of the two operating systems has been as unconfirmed as Google's current strategy around its messaging apps. But at the very least, there will be some developer sessions dedicated to Chrome OS, including one that will "provide guidance on adapting your Android apps to work great on Chrome OS."

This could be important for India. Most of the country is already on Android smartphones and Google services are widely used. So, deeper integration and updates will benefit users in the long run.

On the other hand, Google has been shying away from really pushing its Chromebook laptops in the country. Perhaps 2018 will be the year when Google finally makes that push.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Home Application

Google announced a new version of Android called Android Things, which will is meant for the Internet of things. With everything becoming smart, Google wants Android Things to be the operating system running all such machines, including smart fridges, robots, vending machines etc.

The overall idea is to add Android to all kinds of devices so that everything can be connected to the Internet. We expect Google to elaborate on its latest plans for Android Things too.

Currently, Google’s AI arsenal consists of the Google Assistant, which is a natural extension of Google search. There's also Google Lens, which might make an appearance at the Google I/O. Google Lens is an upcoming technology that gets you all kinds of information about the object that your phone camera points to.

While Google Lens has been in India for a while, the company still needs to improve that service in the country. Lens allows you to point your phone’s camera towards an object and get relevant search results about the same. In our experience, while Lens can be useful, Google needs to better recognise objects and places in India.

Next, Google’s smart speaker, the Home, is likely to get some new features. An update for the Google Assistant for devices with screens is also expected. Google recently launched the Home and Home Mini to India, so it would be interesting to see whether these features make it to the country as well.

Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is another major push by Google. The company has already launched two Daydream VR headsets, including one that works as a standalone device. Given that Facebook recently announce Oculus Go, it’s likely that Google will hurry things up.

VR again is a market Google has been exploring in India. While it’s still at a nascent stage, bringing a new device to the country will be in Google’s best interest, possibly kickstarting demand.