Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s biggest developer event of the year, the I/O conference kicks off on Wednesday in San Francisco. Thanks to a detailed Bloomberg Businessweek profile of Android chief Sunder Pichai and many other sources, we know exactly what we can expect from the company during the two day event. In the past, the search engine giant has focused mainly on smartphones and tablets. But this year, Google is expected to give developers more screens for their apps by taking Android into smartwatches, cars and homes. Here is the list of what Google is highly likely to show off at the event.
Android Wear
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) announced Android Wear earlier this year, and has released its beta version to developers. It’s just an extension of the mobile Android OS, and has been designed for use in wearable devices. Korean electronics giant LG Electronics Inc. (KRX:066570) (OTCMKTS:LGEAF) is going to be the first company to launch an Android Wear-based smartwatch. LG and Motorola both have promised to release their Android Wear smartwatches this summer. So, they may showcase their devices at the event.
Android TV
The Mountain View-based company is also expected to launch make another attempt to make its presence felt in your living room. Despite its previous attempts such as Google TV and Chromecast, the company is likely to pull the curtains off Android TV. In contrast to Google TV, Android TV will focus on content rather than apps and software.
Android in the Home
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) purchased Nest Labs earlier this year. Just a few days ago, Nest Labs acquired video surveillance company Dropcam for $555 million. Nest is increasingly becoming a hub for things that are necessary for home automation. We are likely to see Google push further into this area. The company is also expected to reveal how third-party hardware and software companies can participate.
Android in the Car
After Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) unveiled its CarPlay in-car infotainment system, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) won’t want to be left behind. The company announced its Android-based in-car system in January, but little is known about it. Google has already partnered with Hyundai Motor Co (KRX:005380), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and other automakers. The technology is set to hit the new cars by the end of this year. The search engine giant is reportedly planning to make its in-car system directly connected to web.
Google may showcase Android Lollipop
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s recently leaked Android L update is will most likely be Lollipop. The Internet giant conventionally names its Android updates after confectionery-based things such as Cupcake, Honeycomb, Jelley Bean, Ice Cream Sandwich, KitKat, etc. The company is expected to launch Android 5.0 this fall as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) rolls out its iOS 8. That will give hardware vendors sufficient time to add the new Android OS to their major products for the holiday season. But the company will probably show at the event what’s coming.
Among other things, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) may also talk about the Glass, including when it would launch a cheaper version of the eyewear. The company will have to cut the price if it wants the Glass to reach the mass market.
