Google I/O 2014 Ticket Registration Set Back For Fairer Spread

Google has postponed Google I/O 2014 registration by a week, having decided at the last moment to change the way would-be developer attendees could get tickets. Registration for the July event – at which we're expecting to hear about Android TV among other projects – was initially to open today and last until April 10th, but Google now says it won't be taking place until April 15th.

That's a week away, and the registration period itself will be extended too, increased to four days from three.

Like Apple did with WWDC 2014, Google won't be following a first-come, first-served process with tickets. Instead, after developers register, Google will be picking those who can buy tickets at random, a system it argues is fairer than in previous years.

Developer interest in both WWDC and Google I/O is invariably strong, and tickets in previous years have gone within minutes of sales starting. In 2013, for instance, it took less than an hour for all the spots to be grabbed.

Part of the lure is the promise of swag to take home; Google has before given out Chromebooks, Nexus phones and tablets, and other hardware for developers. That also contributed to a strong resale market for tickets, with scalpers getting in early and then selling on passes. Google tried to stop that in 2013, making tickets non-transferable.

Expectations are high for Google I/O this year, with the successor to the ill-fated Google TV project, believed to be Android TV, expected to debut. Android Wear, the search giant's push to place Android on the wrist, is also likely to get plenty of stage time, and Glass could also get the same, with the frame fruits of Google's deal with Oakley and Ray-Ban parent Luxottica a possible inclusion.