Google unveiled so many amazing updates during their Google I/O 2021 keynote.
So, I’m going to break down what the top 10 announcements were and what they mean for
you.
Hey friends, I’m Tasia Custode, and welcome back to my YouTube Channel where I share tech
tips, app reviews, and a TON of Google tips.
Today, I’m breaking down the top 10 announcements from Google I/O 2021.
It’s great when companies make major flashy announcements, but what do they actually mean
for you, the consumer?
Well, let's find out.
By the way, you’re going to want to stick around to the end, because we are running
through major Google Workspace updates.
And when I say major, I mean major!
But first let’s focus on Android.
Announcement number 1: Google has given users a sneak peek of Android 12, in what seems
to be the biggest design update in years.
Android 12 features a design they call “Material You”.
There are smoother animations, bigger buttons, and the ability to change system colors.
It’s what I would call a rather playful design.
Android 12 showcases some lockscreen changes, as well as changes to the widget system.
There are even some new privacy features, including a privacy dashboard, that’ll tell
you camera, microphone, and location access among other permissions.
The biggest thing to take away from this Android 12 design update is that Google says this
Material You system will be applied cross-platform.
So think: web, apps, hardware, and Android.
Google I/O 2021 announcement number 2: Select Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones will work
as digital car keys with Android 12.
Right now, this ability uses NFC and UWB technology.
However, BMW is the only automaker right now that has actually confirmed support of this
digital car key.
But don’t fret, in the near future, other automakers should follow suit.
Announcement number 3: Google and Samsung are merging Google’s Wear OS and Samsung’s
Tizen-based system.
This is going to be huge for Google’s smartwatch operating system.
These two platforms merged together may be known as ‘wear’ moving forward, though
that can change.
Google’s pushing this merge will result in better battery life, 30% faster app load
time, and smoother animations.
So what does this mean for you, the user?
Well, this also allows Google to offer a better selection of devices, apps and custom watch
faces.
Google IO Announcement number 4: let’s talk Google AI, shall we?
Essentially, Google showcased its LaMDA AI that understands language better than ever
before.
They did this via a demo where they showed what it would be like to have a chat with
everyone’s favorite planet, Pluto.
For the record, they also demoed what it would be like to talk to a paper airplane, but that’s
neither here nor there.
So, in effect, LaMDA was able to answer questions as Pluto, and also able to answer questions
as a paper airplane, referencing facts about each throughout the conversations.
The real implication here for us, mere mortals, is that Google is flexing their AI language
learning abilities.
Huh?
A lot of Google’s AI work focuses on the retrieving of information.
So think like, translating a language, or providing users with the correct answers when
they search the web.
So if Google can get AI to understand language better, it can offer improvements across their
suite of products.
Number 5 on the list: Project Starline.
Are you ready for your mind to be blown?
This is probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
Ya might want to sit down for this.
Cuz the future?
It’s here.
Project Starline is a 3D video chat booth that’s designed to make you feel like you’re
sitting right there with someone, in person.
That’s right, the person you’re chatting with will appear in front of you in 3D!
You’ll be able to see them from different angles and even make eye contact.
Project Srarline is using multiple cameras and sensors in order to create a 3D model.
So, right now, this means both parties in the video chat would need to have this technology
which is literally like a big booth right now consisting of all this gear.
But how cool is this as a glimpse into the future?
You have to keep in mind that when any new technology comes out, it’s big and cumbersome,
so this will only improve with time.
Think about it, it’s like you and I could be chatting like this right now, from wherever
we are in the world, but ‘in person’.
By the way, if you’re finding this video helpful, remember to give it a like and subscribe
to my YouTube Channel for more content like this.
And now onto Google IO announcement number 6: Google Camera Inclusivity Update.
With this camera update, Google is looking to ensure the processor does a better job
rendering dark skin tones and natural hairstyles.
For this, Google is using auto white balance and exposure algorithms to improve the accuracy
for dark skin tones.
It’s easy for me to sit here as the palest white girl to take camera processing for granted.
Historically, these processors are built and designed for auto-balancing on my skin tone.
So, with these upgrades, Google is hoping to avoid common over-brightening and de-saturating
people of color.
Google IO announcement number 7: Google’s new health tool.
Which I’m just going to tell you right now, if you’re a hypochondriac, look away…
look away!!!
Google is hoping to launch this new health tool later this year, with a focus on skin
conditions.
Why?
Well, believe it or not, Google gets about 10 BILLION skin condition questions every
year.
So, with their new health tool, you can take a picture of your skin condition, answer a
series of questions and Google will provide you with a list of possible conditions that
it’s programmed to recognize.
The more the tool is used, the more the AI learns.
Insert obvious warning here: this is NOT a replacement for an actual board-certified
dermatologist.
And, if you’ve got anxious tendencies, you may want to opt-out of this one altogether.
Announcement number 8: Important Google Photos updates.
There are a couple good ones here.
First, users will be able to store photos in a locked folder.
Meaning, you can create a password protected space on your phone.
The photos won’t appear when you’re scrolling through them in the app, they’ll only be
available in the password protected spot.
This is coming to Pixel first but will be available to other Android devices later in
the year.
But that’s not the only Google photos update.
This next one is a real trip.
You’ll now be able to make animated photos from stills.
Google is calling this feature “cinematic moments” and it uses two still photos to
create a moving image.
How neat is that?
Number 9 on the list: Google Maps updates.
I know, when is Google not updating maps?
But here’s what they just announced.
There’s actually quite a few updates.
First, they’re adding route updates to reduce hard-breaking when you’re driving.
Google Maps will use machine learning and navigation information to give you a heads
up on whether or not traffic is suddenly slowing.
Second, Live View is getting an update and will include things like details about shops
and restaurants around you, and helpful new street signs at intersections.
And, if you’re traveling Live View will tell you where you are in relation to your
hotel, which is super helpful.
If you’re wondering what the heck Live View even is, you can click on this video up here
for a detailed look at Live View.
Third, you’ll now be able to spot busy areas at a glance when you open up the Google Maps
app, which can help you avoid crowded areas.
And lastly, Google Maps will tailor your map to highlight the best places based on the
time of day or whether or not you’re traveling.
So this is going to be personalized to each individual user.
And my wonderful little Custodeans, you’ve made it, finally, to Google IO announcement
number 10!
You guessed it, Google Workspace integrations.
Google Workspace lovers, welcome to your smart canvas.
Google wants to make your Google Workspace even more collaborative.
You may be familiar with @ mentioning people in Google docs, but soon you’ll be able
to @ mention not only people, but files and meetings too.
And this will be available in Sheets in the coming months as well.
So this is an easy way to be able to link to other docs and sheets, and meetings right
from the file you’re working in.
Google is also introducing pageless docs, so it’ll be easier for you to work with
wider tables or large images.
And, you’ll be able to add emoji reactions in Docs.
But that’s not all!
There will be a new assistive writing feature that will offer more inclusive language recommendations
like saying ‘mail carrier’ instead of ‘mailman’, for example.
There will be a new Docs template that will automatically import any relevant info from
cal invites or other attached files.
There will be connected checklists, table templates in Docs, plus the ability to work
in Google Meet directly from your Doc, Sheet or Slide.
Wowza.
That’s right, you’ll be able to see and hear each other right from the collaborative
file you’re working on together.
There’s going to be live captions and translations in Google Meet, plus a handy timeline view
in Sheets.
And speaking of Sheets, there will be better-assisted analysis functionality to help you build cell
formulas.
And finally, you’ll be able to create and edit Sheets, Docs and Slides from Google Chat
rooms.
Google really wants you to view your Workspace as a Smart Canvas.
And if you’re a little overwhelmed about all these Google workspace updates, comment
on this video and let me know if you’d like a dedicated video on all the features!
Plus, I have a ton of other Google videos linked in the description below, if your heart
so desires.
So what do you think about the top 10 announcements from Google I/O 2021?
Let everyone know in the comments below.
As always, thanks so much for watching, if you liked this video, I want to know so give
it a like, a share or leave that comment below.
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more Google content.
Thanks for watching, and see ya next time!