Welcome to the recap of the Google I/O 2012 keynote address, where we’ll discuss all the fun new toys Google is releasing to keep us from getting any real work done.
First up: Android 4.1 – Jelly Bean!
The first item of note from the new version of Android is called Project Butter (and no, I’m not making that up). Basically, Google is implementing a feature to lock Android’s performance in at 60 frames per second, which ensures that it will always be, dare we say, buttery smooth.
Our next innovation is actionable notifications, which appear to take Android’s industry-leading notification system and incorporated a new “live” element to it, which will allow users to pinch and zoom for more or less information. For example, a notification could pop up saying you have four new emails; the user could zoom in and see the subjects, senders, etc. of the four emails, then pinch it closed.
Google is introducing a new product called Google Now which will utilize your search history, location, and calendar to figure out what you need. It’ll do things like automatically calculate travel times based on traffic in between your current location and next meeting, and will remind you when you need to leave. It’ll let you know when the next train or bus will arrive, or what restaurants or bars are nearby. It’ll even tell you the sports scores of your favorite teams, which it will learn via your search history. It’s basically a hybrid of Siri and Windows Phone Live Tiles, but simultaneously better and creepier than either. It’s the Predalien to Apple’s Predator and Microsoft’s Alien.
Jelly Bean will be released in July for Nexus-series devices, and the first device to come loaded with Jelly Bean will be our next topic of discussion: the Nexus 7.
The Nexus 7, in my opinion, is the first real competition to the iPad. 7″ screen, Quad-core processor, dedicated GPU, a front-facing camera, integrated NFC, 1GB of RAM, and a battery that can last up to 9 hours during video playback. All for $200.
At that price, with it’s capabilities, you’d be stupid to buy an iPad.
Continuing our device trend: Google’s new toy, the Nexus Q.
The Nexus Q is a media streamer that will connect directly into a user’s home theater system pulling media directly from the cloud.
What makes this device interesting is it’s integration with other Android devices. Specifically, it allows anyone using an Android device on your network to create live playlists of music, videos, etc.
Now, I thought about this for a bit, and promptly came up with what a playlist developed by my friends would look like:
- Lee Greenwood. So much Lee Greenwood.
- Maniac Nurses Find Ecstacy
- Rick Astley
- A bunch of bands no one has ever heard of.
- Porn
Basically, my friends are real life internet trolls, so I’ll be passing on the Nexus Q. However, if it’s your cup of tea, it’s $299 and available for pre-order now.
