Google I/O 2018: Everything you need to know

Google made a few announcements at their I/O 2018 keynote about Android, VR/AR, YouTube, Google Assistant and more.

Google AI

Google is using their AI technologies and machine learning for medical uses such as detecting diabetes or cardiovascular diseases by looking people’s eyes. AI can detect age, gender, whether a person smokes or other health risks.

Google is also using AI to help doctors to predict medical events by scanning more than 100,000 data points on every patient.

Gboard with Morse Code

 

 

Google also announced that users will be able to use Gboard using Morse Code. The Gboard with Morse Code input will be available later today.

Smart Compose in Gmail

Google announced another new feature for Gmail called Smart Compose. It uses machine learning to automatically predict what you’re going to type, similar to Smart Replies.

Smart Compose will be rolling out later this month.

Suggested Actions in Google Photos

Google is adding something called Suggested Actions for Google Photos. This allows for enhanced suggested sharing when viewing photos and even colourize black & white photos.

Six new voices for the Google Assistant

Google said they are adding six new voices to choose from for the Google Assistant.

Google is also adding celebrity voices such as John Legend, which is coming later this year. To do this, Google created something called Wavenet, that allows for more natural sounding voices for the Google Assistant.

Continued Conversation for the Google Assistant

Google is adding support for something called Continued Conversation for the Google Assistant that will allow for multiple commands and actions.

This also allows for follow-up conversations without needing to say Hey, Google again.

Smart Displays availability

Google has announced that the first Smart Displays will be available in July. No word on Canadian availability.

Smart Displays have the Google Assistant and are powered by Android Things. There will be Smart Displays made by Lenovo, JBL and LG.

Food Pick-up and Delivery using the Google Assistant

Google is also adding the ability to order food from the Google Assistant with the ability to pick-up in person or get it delivered. Google is working with companies such as Starbucks or Just-Eat.

Google Assistant coming to Google Maps

Google is integrating the Google Assistant into Google Maps later this summer.

Google Duplex

Google is working on a feature for the Google Assistant that allows you to use the Assistant to call and make appointment or reservations without actually talking to anyone. This is using a new technology that Google created called Duplex.

New Google News

 

Google is revamping Google News to make it easier and faster to get information. The new app combines the Google News & Weather app and the Google Play Newsstand app, so not only will you be able to read online articles but also subscribe to magazines and newspapers.

Newscasts are small previews of stories so you can get an idea of what a news story is about before reading it. The new app also has material design and uses machine learning.

The new Google New is rolling out now on Android, iOS and the web in 127 countries and should be available to everyone by next week.

Android

 

 

 

Android P has a few new features including one called Adaptive Battery. This uses machine learning to help improve your phone’s battery life.

Adaptive Brightness in Android P uses machines learning to learn your preferences of how bright you want your phone.

App Actions will predict not only what apps you’re going to use next but what actions you’re going to take. App Actions works in Google Search, Google Assistant and the Play Store.

Slices is a new API that allows developers to offer parts of their app in different contexts.

App Actions and Slices will be available in early access to developers in June.

ML Kit also developers to integrate machine learning into apps.

Android P allows for gesture controls to navigate the OS. A simple swipe up will bring you to your multitasking screen which is now horizontal. Smart text selections also work on the multitasking screen.

Media volume is now the default volume in Android P. In addition, there’s a new way to control rotation even with orientation lock on.

Google is also adding something called Dashboard that allows you to monitor how long you’re spending on apps including setting time limits.

Do Not Disturb in Android P adds a new feature called Shush. When you turn your phone over, it will silence everything from your phone.

Wind Down mode is a new feature that allows you to set your phone down at a specific time, especially if you’re prone to using your phone just before bed.

The Android P Beta is available today for the Google Pixels as well as devices from Essential and OnePlus.

Google Maps

Google is also adding some new features to Google Maps such as For You which shows you new places that are trending this week.

The feature also has something called Your Match which gives you a percentage of why a place would be best for you based on machine learning and your usage patterns.

You’ll also be able to create shortlists on places to share with friends so you can quickly choose a place to go to.

These features will be available later this summer.

Google is also adding the ability to see map directions displayed over the world around you to help you navigate better.

Google Lens

Google Lens will be integrated into the camera app on the Pixel phones as well as phones from LG, Asus, Motorola and more.

Google Lens also has a smart text selection, so you can copy and paste from the real-world to your phone.

Style match is a feature that allows you to see items that match that style from furniture to clothing.

Google is using machine learning on-device and cloud computing to help make Google Lens even better.

All the new Google Lens features are coming in the next few weeks.