At Google I/O, the search giant outlined two new features for Google Maps that help map roads more than ten times faster than possible five years ago. The new feature aims to bring maps packed with useful information to consumers, and Google is giving details on how AI makes two of the new features possible. One way is using AI to teach maps to identify and forecast when people are hitting their brakes.
Today we're taking a peek at what Google revealed on day 1 of Google I/O 2021. This is generally the day when Google reveals the bulk of their public-facing news for devices and software, and this year was no different in that respect. Google reminded the world that their heart is in organizing the world's information and making said data valuable to all users, starting with a conversation with a paper airplane.
Google aims to have a functional, productive quantum computer up and running within the decade, with a new Quantum AI campus revealed during I/O 2021 this week. The facility, in Santa Barbara, CA, will be the home of Google's first quantum data center, the company says, plus the location where it will manufacture its own quantum processors.
Yesterday at Google I/O, the company previewed an AI-powered app meant to help diagnose dermatological issues to help people understand challenges with their skin, hair, and nails. Doctor Peggy Bui, MD, product manager for Google Health, says that the app uses the same techniques to help doctors detect diabetic eye disease or lung cancer in CT scans. The app allows users to get a more accurate diagnosis for dermatologic issues like rashes on their skin using the camera on their smartphone.
Search, next to or in conjunction with ads, is the bread and butter of Google's business. The more people use it and stay within Search for any and all their needs, the better it is for Google. Of course, that implies that Google makes Search an indispensable tool for any and all Internet needs and that is exactly what it is saying in its I/O 2021 update, powered by AI and AR, of course.
As expected, Google revealed a lot of new things that users' can look forward to on Android's various forms as well as Google's myriad services. One platform that binds many of those together is Google Assistant whose smartness still needs a bit of work here and there. For I/O 2021, Google is introducing new ways for developers to harness those smarts and enable users to jump right into the content or section of an app they need without saying much.
Although it naturally announced a lot of new things across its many products and services, Google I/O this year also highlighted some of the often ignored parts of its empire, specifically the various incarnations of Android thought to have been forgotten. Although there was some inkling about it, the collaboration between Google and Samsung over Wear OS was definitely a pleasant surprise but that was just the tip of the iceberg of what smartwatch fans can expect, hopefully really soon.
Google may not sell a car, but it does have an increasingly large footprint on the dashboard, with Android set to become your digital car key and even your dashboard OS on models like the Hummer EV. Announced at Google I/O 2021 today, the newest Android Auto and Android Automotive OS functionality further blurs the distinction between your phone and your car or SUV.
Google has confirmed some big rumors we've been hearing about the future of Samsung's smartwatches today, revealing that it has teamed up with the South Korean company to revolutionize Wear OS and the next round of Android smartwatches. According to Google, the two companies are 'bringing the best of Wear and Tizen into a single, unified platform.'
Google revealed a sort of behind-the-scenes look at a project they're working with for video conferencing. This system is currently called Project Starline, and it works with both high resolution cameras and "custom built depth sensors." Using a breakthrough light field display," users will be able "talk naturally, gesture, and make eye contact."
While Google has covered a lot of ground so far at Google IO 2021, the big draw of the show is undoubtedly the reveal of Android 12. Android 12 did indeed get its time in the spotlight today, and the first thing Google touched on was the changes to the UI that are shipping along with the new OS. As you might imagine given the announcement of Material You, the UI changes in Android 12 are centered largely around color.
There's a fair chance that your Android phone can already project Google Maps and other apps to your car's dashboard, and next Google aims to do away with your car keys too. Android handsets are becoming digital keys, with Android 12 bringing secure entry and vehicle start support on select handsets when used with select vehicles. Meanwhile, actually getting your phone connected to a car should be easier, too.