Alphabet Inc’s Google unveiled updates across many services. This includes Maps, Photos and operating systems. The company showcases its role in the world that has become more digitally connected during this pandemic.
In the virtually-held Google I/O developer conference, there was an announcement as a boost for the company’s smartwatch efforts. This is going to compete with Apple Inc. There are also offerings from Microsoft Corp, for its collaboration tools.
Google is aiming to demonstrate that its advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This will keep users attracted to its ad-supported or paid services for shopping, communication and entertainment. This will definitely continue with the people in person activities even after the pandemic eases.
Their smartwatch operating system, Wear OS, would be adopted by its newly-acquired Fitbit unit and Samsung Electronics Co said Google. They both have their own systems for many years. These companies when now work together could attract more app developers and better compete with Apple Watch. New editing and viewing options for Google Docs was also shared by the company. Other work software such as a simple tool, that suggests using inclusive terms instead of gendered words were also shared.
Chief Executive Sundar Pichai has made advocating for social justice a priority across the company. By this fall its Pixel smartphones would better capture darker skin tones and curly and wavy hair in photos said the company. Drivers can use Google Maps to reduce sudden braking, with the help of AI update that navigates them on safer routes.
A more powerful computer chip, TPU v4, important to AI development would be available this year to Google Cloud customers. Google Photos will offer users a reminder that they can search Google Images for specific objects in screenshots. The latest version of the mobile operating system active on over 3 billion devices globally is the Android 12. This will arrive later this year packed with personalization features. This also enables devices to be used as a digital key for some cars.
Pichai revealed Project Starline. This is a video-conferencing booth that uses so-called light-field displays to let people view a 3D representation of their counterparts. Pichai said that the Healthcare and media companies would test this system.
