Google 2016 I/O Developers Conference: Tech Giant Unveils Rival To Amazon Echo, A VR Platform, AI & More [VIDEO]
If there's anything that Google proved during the company's keynote on Wednesday, it is that the tech giant is moving towards a future that is almost fully automated. Unveiling a series of innovations such as a smart speaker and an intelligent messaging app, Google's focus on a future where A.I. is mainstream was undeniable.
During the series of announcements in the firm's ongoing 2016 I/O Developers Conference on the company's campus in Mountain View, Google revealed to the thousands in attendance that the firm is intent on making life easier, more convenient and far less overwhelming.
One of the products introduced was Google Home, the firm's response to the immensely successful Amazon Echo, which has been enjoying rave reviews from critics and fans since it was released to consumers. Google Home functions much like the Echo, featuring a button-less design and an interface that fully utilizes voice commands.
Just like the Echo, Google Home is able to complete various tasks for its users, such as waking up the kids, modifying a restaurant reservation and suggesting alternative routes during days when traffic is particularly bad. As much as the device itself is interesting, however, Google has not revealed the price of its device.
Another notable product unveiled by the company during its keynote involved Allo, a smart messaging app that is designed to learn and adapt to its user's behavior over time. Thus, Allo would eventually be able to scan texts and suggest responses accordingly, even without the user typing anything on the keyboard.
Of course, the firm's mobile OS, Android N, was also mentioned prominently, with the new OS being given some new, nifty features such as split-screen use. A VR platform was also discussed, as well as new tech innovations for vehicles.
Overall, Google's keynote on the first day of its developers conference this year focused on one particular concept - artificial intelligence. Indeed, looking at the primary products and services that the firm centered on, practically all of them, most especially Google Home and Allo, revolved around the power of artificial intelligence.
With the world leaders in tech such as Microsoft and Facebook already initiating efforts to develop A.I. technologies, Google's thrust for the future seems very much appropriate. Indeed, if Google, together with its fellow tech giants, continue in their current direction, the age of A.I. might be just around the corner.
