Google I/O 2013 Recap

A recap of today's highlights from the Google developer conference.

Google kicked off its I/O developer conference on Wednesday, and over the course of three-and-a-half hours, revealed the company's plans across the majority of its platforms. Amazingly, Google Glass was hardly mentioned during the entire keynote--not a single presenter donned the device--but the day was nonetheless filled with an assortment of interesting Android, Google Maps, and Google Play news. Here's a rundown of everything that was Google I/O day one.

Android Keeps Growing

The 2013 Google I/O keynote kicked off with the senior VP of Android and Chrome, Sundar Pichai, citing impressive numbers for the company's mobile operating system. Google announced 900 million Android activations worldwide to date. And on a related note, Android users have downloaded over 48 billion apps from Google Play.
Clearly, Google is hoping to continue the expansion of Android across the world, going so far as to highlight global regions where the mobile OS could still use a boost. Pinchai claimed Google was looking into ways to find more penetration in these untapped markets; a sentiment echoed by the company's later announcement of more language options through its APIs.

Google Play Takes On Game Center

Earlier in the week, rumors and leaked images seemed to claim Google was preparing a centralized gaming hub, entitled Google Play Games. Vice-president of Android product management Hugo Barra confirmed the rollout of the new service during Wednesday's keynote, showing off new features including achievements, cloud saves, and synchronous multiplayer. The APIs were made available to app developers today, and with any luck, Android gamers should see Google Play Games features in the near future.

While the presentation of multiplayer was a bit of a misfire, the service looks promising at first glance. Apple has struggled to inspire any semblance of excitement for its own Game Center platform on iOS, and if Google can utilize the platform well--including cross-platform play between smartphones, tablets, and desktops--Play Games could prove attractive to mobile gamers.

Android Studio and Easier Google+ Sign-ins

But games weren't the only focus for future app development. Android Studio is a new work layout for developers, which coupled with a batch of new API ideas, could lead to interesting ideas in upcoming--or established--apps.
A lot of focus was placed on location services. Beyond improved geofencing capabilities which give developers the ability to place more GPS-sensitive zones with a map, the new "recognition" API can actually tell the app if the Android user is driving, walking, or biking. Essentially, the tech could be used for fitness apps, or to even simplify navigation services. And when you're switching between apps or platforms, streamlined Google+ logins are meant to cut down on time wasted signing-in over and over.

Google Goes After Spotify with Play Music: All Access

Rumors of a subscription-based streaming music service from Google have floated around for a while, reaching a breaking point in recent days as deals were inked with major record labels. Starting now, Google Play Music: All Access is available for a monthly fee of $9.99, but signing up for a 30-day trial by the end of June will lower the price to $7.99 per month.
The service is sort of like a combination of Spotify and Pandora, allowing users to listen to a queue of recommended songs, or rearrange the order of that list to their liking. Play Music: All Access builds off of the iTunes-like Music on Google Play service already available.

The Nexus Experience on a Galaxy S4

Samsung's latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4, is already available from most popular wireless carriers. But maybe all those Samsung applications are cramping your style, and you just want the straight-up Android OS experience of a Nexus 4. During Google I/O, the company announced plans to start selling a 16GB Galaxy S4 with a stock Android OS. Unfortunately, it also costs $649.

The unlocked Galaxy S4 is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Currently, a subsidized, standard Galaxy S4 through a carrier is retailing for $199.

Google+ Adds Photo Filters, Unified Hangouts

A portion--actually a significant portion--of today's keynote was devoted to how Google+ will handle your uploaded photos. While certainly effective, most of the updates mirrored the various Instagram-like filtering options already provided by every image upload service on the planet. But other features, especially a "motion" option which automatically creates animated images, were fairly impressive.

But beyond a visual interface upgrade for Google+ which adds some new columns, the changes to the network's Hangout chat system were the most significant. A new Hangout app works like a running chat room across Android and iOS devices. And any of those chats can very simply turn into a group video session. Additionally, photos posted with a Hangout are automatically saved and shared between the users via Google+. Unfortunately, no word on a release date as of yet.

Google Now Gets Voice Reminders, Maps Receives Overhaul

Emerging digital assistant Google Now played an interesting role during the I/O keynote, as Google continues to maneuver the service as a clear alternative to Apple's Siri. Voice search is going to become a bigger focus within traditional Google searches, with users simply stating "OK Google" before asking a question. Similarly, Google Now cards will feature a voice reminder option, with a helpful notice of impending appointments.

But if there was a standout among the deluge of news at Google I/O, the new Google Maps was lightyears ahead. The mobile version of the ubiquitous navigation and geographic search service has received a major overhaul, even going beyond the leaks detailed last week. More than just a visual upgrade--which it is receiving--new features like integrated offers when searching businesses look fantastic. And on the desktop side of things, Google Maps has merged Google Earth into an impressive new browser experience.
As previously rumored, the left-hand sidebar has gone away, moving to a more organic map reliant upon social recommendations and specific search variables. Clicking on a museum creates a map of museums, clicking on restaurant shows similar recommendations, and so forth. And with Google Earth integrated, you can literally fly from outer space right into the interior of a building, thanks to user image uploads. Pretty amazing. You can check out a preview now, if the server isn't down.

What Did Android Hat Jon Hamm Want to Say?

A closing Q&A session with Google's Larry Page led a gaggle of developers and other tech junkies to the microphones. But it was the appearance of a man who closely resembled Don Draper wearing an Android hat which truly caught our imaginations. What did he have to say? Maybe he had an exciting new marketing strategy, complete with a whiskey-fueled presentation. The world will never know.