14 DAY TRIAL // We’re just a few hours away from Google’s I/O Conference start where the company is expected to announce a lot of brand new products and devices.
Since last year Google launched a new Android version, came up with Google+ and Google Glass news, announced the Nexus 7 and Nexus Q, expectations are running high.
Recent rumors indicated that the company might be preparing an update to the famous Google Maps. There have even been some leaked images of the app’s changes, with the new version removing the sidebar, replacing the pop-ups showing necessary info.
The design seems to bring a better use of space, as well as a better integration with other Google services.
Another rumor regards Google Babel, the brand new communication app that the company has been cooking for a while. Some of the features are already available in the Google+ app for mobile devices, but it is expected to extend to the company’s web browser.
However, Google Babel is said that it might actually be released under another moniker, namely Hangouts.
A new Android OS version is also expected to be launched at the event. Since Jelly Bean has been around for a while, Key Lime Pie might soon follow it. Either that, or Google will release a 4.3 version of Jelly Bean.
Rumor has it that Google has actually been withholding on releasing Key Lime Pie to let manufacturers catch up on their rapidly updated Android versions.
Google Glass is also said to get a front row seat at the event. Since it has already been said that the device is about one year away from mainstream release, maybe a more exact date will be announced.
If not, at least some apps and games for the device will be released at the conference. Some details about the changes Google is planning to make on Glass might also be announced.
The Internet giant is also said to be planning on integrating Quickoffice into Chrome, which would make the company a serious adversary to Microsoft’s Office.
What better place to make such an announcement than Google I/O Conference?
Another service that Google might launch is a Spotify competitor. The music streaming service could be announced thanks to a newly formed deal with Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group.
Google Now will also most likely be integrated with Chrome OS and the Chrome browser after the personal assistant was introduced for Android.
A game center is also in the works for Google, especially after they hired a brand new Chief Game Designer earlier this month. Some information about this new product might be released during today’s keynote.
We’ll be including timely updates in this report as the announcements unfold at Google’s I/O Conference that is set to start at 9 am PDT / 16:00 UTC in another article that we'll link here when the event begins.