Hasta La Gadget!

During Google’s extended edition opening keynote this morning, there was a distinctive lack of skydiving. However, developers showed off lots of interesting things, including functionality highlighting the easy, real-time syncing of data across multiple instances of the Chrome browser — whether on smartphone or tablet or desktop. The on-stage demo was a simple slot car racing game but, out on the I/O floor Google had a somewhat more advanced implementation: Map Dive. Running on seven separate instances of Chrome and relying on a 3D camera, Map Dive lets you experience the Maps API from a rather elevated perspective. Join us after the break for an arm-waving demo.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

An errant leak this morning gave us a pretty good idea that Google Maps was getting revamped in time for I/O, so this announcement comes as no surprise. Mountain View just pulled back the curtain on the next major release of Maps for desktops while offering up an advance look at the Android and iOS versions. The mobile preview takes a more personalized approach to navigation, with a rating system and offers from merchants like Starbucks. The company also announced the Experience feature for tablets, which takes a look indoors and offers up info on things like shopping, dining and hotels.

Google also showed off the redesigned desktop version, too. New features include “immersive imagery,” and the map itself is now the user interface — with Street View and Google Earth integration. After entering search terms, icons will appear, indicating each type of result rather than the pins of previous versions. Clicking on one will pull up reviews from friends, Street View and a “see inside” option with 360-degree viewing. The views come thanks, in part, to user-submitted photo spheres. In terms of personalization options, the map will analyze the places that you travel, highlight routes and offer suggestions based on spots that you and your friends enjoy. Maps also gathers images for a specific location and displays those snapshots via a carousel down below. A retooled directions experience now offers the option of toggling between driving and transit routes alongside a schedule viewer for factoring in transfers and walking. To sign up for a chance at the desktop preview, hit the coverage link below.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Google

Comments

Source: Google Maps Blog

Google Now is getting some I/O love, too. Several updates, called cards, are already available in the Google Play Store. Firstly, you’ll be able to set for nagging pop-ups (“buy milk” is the obvious example). Now will also show you cards for upcoming books, albums and TV shows based on what Google thinks you’ll like — which could either be quite helpful or borderline insulting depending on how well it knows you. Finally, real-time public transportation updates will be available in select cities, and Japan will even get a “last train home” alert. Nab these features by visiting the source link below. No word on when the new functionality will hit the iOS Google Search app.

We got a look at the new features in action via an onstage demo. Voice queries like, “Okay, Google, show me things to do in Santa Cruz” will bring up relevant results, and subsequent questions like, “How far is the boardwalk from here?” take into account that you’re in Santa Cruz — and then give you up-to-date traffic info and route recommendations. When it comes to reminders, you can tell Google to nudge you about “calling Katie next Wednesday,” for instance, and a card will pop up on your device at the specified time. This all looks pretty sweet, but we’ll have to give Now a spin ourselves before reaching a final verdict.

Filed under: Software, Google

Comments

Source: Google Search (Google Play)

The rumors were apparently true: Google’s unified chat platform (widely nicknamed Babel) is launching as the new Hangouts, with new mobile apps to match. The messaging service puts Android, Chrome, Gmail and iOS all on the same page for the first time, focusing the interface on conversations that carry over from device to device. Across the board, you’ll find consistent notifications, as well as emoji and shared photo pools that weren’t in Google Talk. Contacts are still there, but they’re pushed to the side in the mobile view. Live group video is new, too, while text chats have watermarks to clarify who’s reading and typing. Everyone gets access to the updated Hangouts today. The Android and iOS apps are available as we write this; Gmail users can hit a “try it now” button, while Chrome users can install an extension. One word of warning: the Android app currently won’t run on some tablets, including the Nexus 7.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Google

Comments

Via: Official Gmail Blog, Google+ Project

Source: Chrome Web Store, App Store, Google Play

Google’s making it easy for educators and their students to discover and recommend applications and books with Play for Education. Announced onstage at this year’s I/O by Chris Yerga, Google’s Android Engineering Director, the new Play storefront organizes content by education type, age and various other criteria to make the content discovery process simple for higher learning institutions. What’s more, all of the content that appears within this curated portal bears educators’ stamps of approval, so users know that what they’re accessing is tried-and-tested for quality.

Play for Education also makes use of Google+ groups, so schools and universities can quickly push apps, books and other content out to their students and even bill to one central account. A pilot program for the service has already been underway with six New Jersey schools. Despite Google making the service official today, the actual sign-up window for general access won’t be until sometime later this fall. However, developers can start submitting their applications right now.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments