7 Biggest Announcement from Google I/O 2017 – Day 2

After the successfully opening of Google I/O Conference on Day 1, here come some interesting insights from Day 2. Though all the main announcements were covered on Day 1, Day 2 gave us some interesting details on new virtual apps, AI functionality and other devices.

Google’s idea of putting Android into the AR/VR space is ambitious. It could well be the ‘next big thing’ in technology. Unlike Facebook, whose idea was to use VR to make social networking more interactive, Google envisions it as more day-to-day necessity.

1. Use Google Assistant To Pay

Soon, Google Payment API would come into being and you will be able to pay money to your friends and shop online, by using your Google Account.

This API will allow third party developers to charge you through your Google account, with Google managing the safety and dispensation.

All you need is Google Assistant activated on your system and then ask it to send money to your friend. You need to specify the amount, whom to pay, and few other nitty-gritties.

And it is hands-free, which makes it more convenient.

Google has announced partnership with Weebly to enhance the services of Android Pay by integrating Weebly’s eCommerce sites to it.

See Also: Now You Will Have Google Assistant On iPhone

2. Chrome OS

The Chromebook Pro was meant to be the platform for the Android apps running on Chrome OS.

Although Google didn’t specify anything, but Kan Liu, senior director of product management for Chrome OS dropped some hints, “I don’t want to overpromise”. He added that Google will soon be launching the much awaited product. The expected launch date is 28^th May with the full package, support for Android apps running on the Nougat platform. However, the apps would be launched in beta phase.

With these announcements, it is hoped that in future, Android may get updated faster on Chromebooks in comparison to phones.

3. Seurat Technology

Google’s incredible new feature, Seurat technology, is a technique which will convert high-end 3D images/videos into a format which would run on mobile hardware.

Seurat works by taking renders of an environment from a bunch of different angles and positions, and then representing them onto a low-polygon VR scene you can move around in.

It will not give you the same visualization but it definitely is better than panorama of immersion.

4. Daydream’s 2.0  “Euphrates”

Google’s Daydream VR platform is set to get its first software update later this year, moving towards being a more full-featured operating system.

Google is going for the long haul. It is not just designing the VR headset which would be a standalone but setting a base for others in future. It is going to be a bigger move, it will add a 2D panel that pops up on top of virtual environment, which will give you hindrance free VR experience and it will enable you to check the notifications or do anything for that matter on your Android.

The whole idea behind this is, we don’t want to take you out of the VR experience if you need to check notifications or change a setting or pause or do whatever,” says Mike Jazayeri, the Daydream director of product management.

With the update, you would have more image and video sharing options. It means now, you will be able to share your VR experience from your headset with others on a compatible Smart TV.  You will also be able to take a screenshot from your headset and share it on your social media profile. A new channel by the name of “Discovery” will be available to search for new VR content.

5. Improved AR experiences on Tango

Google’s project Tango, an augmented reality computing platform uses computer vision to enable mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to detect their position relative to the world around them without using GPS or other external signals. This enables application developers to create user experiences that include indoor navigation, 3D mapping, physical space measurement, environmental recognition, augmented reality, and windows into a virtual world. Google has launched Lenovo Phab 2 Pro with this technology last year.

This time, Google is planning to launch the AR technology into a smaller device, Asus Zenfone AR.

With the concept of shared AR, Google wanted to make day to day work or learning more exciting and appealing. For Example, a room of students with their individual AR headsets and learning things at their own pace.

Google has taken an initiative and started a program called Expeditions Pioneers Program, where developers will be able to opt in for creating AR lessons to be enjoyed by students.

Who thought learning could be fun!

6. VR – on YouTube Mobile App!

VR on YouTube mobile app, amazing right!

With this version, users will be able to enjoy and share VR videos with a community. Now, this looks like it is stimulated from Facebook Spaces that was launched last month.

For VR developers, Google has introduced “Instant Previews” to help them in trailing the development of VR experiences instantly. They can make instant changes on their computers and see them immediately on mobile devices. It’s available on Google’s editor and mobile devices.

7. The VR Web

Google idea of putting VR into web is fun, and that’s why they divulged their plans to launch Chromium on the Daydream platform. Users will be able to surf the VR web through Daydream’s remote controller and click on links and navigate web as well.

Not only VR, AR will also be a part of the immersive Chromium browser. Google exhibited, if we are looking for household things on web like furniture or decoration items, the items showed will be according to our home and décor as our phone’s camera will scan our living space before showing results. Isn’t it great, you can place the product on the living space and  you will able to judge whether the item looks good or not.

With these exciting and interesting announcements, the Day 2 was wrapped up. We are hoping that we might get the hands on all the gadgets and technologies soon that Google promised for this year.