New York: Google I/O, the company’s annual developer is back this year, after taking a hiatus in 2020 and the keynote is taking place.
This year, the company showcased some futuristic technologies besides detailing the upgrades coming to Android and Wear OS operating systems for smartphones and smartwatches, respectively.
Here is a quick recap of everything announced at the Google I/O 2021:
More inclusive camera-
Google says it is creating a smartphone camera that more accurately depicts skin tone.
“For people of colour, photography has not always seen us as we want to be seen, even in some of our own Google products” said Google’s Sameer Samat.
Google says it’s making changes to auto white balance adjustments “to bring out natural brown tones”.
AI-curated albums-
Google Photos will use AI to curate collections to share with the user, similar to Memories on Apple and Facebook.
A big complaint from users of Apple’s or Facebook’s feature is when people are reminded of breakups or tough times in their lives.
Inclusive language-
Google launched a new feature called “Smart Canvas” – a sort of umbrella platform interconnecting Google Docs, Meet, Sheets, Tasks, and Slides.
One feature announced is an “assisted writing” tool.
This will flag up “gendered terms” to the user and suggest alternatives.
Android 12-
Google described this update to its operating system, Android 12, as “the biggest design change in Android’s history”.
This update will include new privacy features that will allow users to have more control over how much information apps get from them.
A light on the top of the screen will indicate if an app is using the device’s camera or microphone – a feature users of Apple’s iOS are already familiar with.
3D video conferencing-
Google announced it was working on a new video chat system – where the person you’re chatting to appears in front of you in 3D.
The project is called “Starline” and aims to create ultra realistic projections for video chats.
Google AI to help identify skin conditions-
Google also unveiled a tool that uses artificial intelligence to help spot skin, hair and nail conditions, based on images uploaded by patients.
The company said it should launch later this year, and that the app has been awarded a CE mark for use as a medical tool in Europe.
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