Google finished its live Google I/O 2021 keynote, where the company unveiled a huge number of announcements, including a new look coming to Android, a bunch of features coming to its Google Workspace productivity suite, next versions of Android and Wear OS, as well as Google’s ongoing work in AI.
Android 12
Google revealed that Android 12 will have a brand-new “Material You” design with a whole lot of new changes. It offers a lot of color and customization, and the new mobile OS will even be able to change system colors to be able to better match your wallpaper.
Android 12 will also introduce new privacy-related features, including a dashboard where you can see a timeline of all the data the apps on your phone have accessed recently. You can download Android 12 public beta today on select devices from 11 different manufacturers, including Google, OnePlus and ASUS.
Wear OS And Tizen Are Becoming One
Google announced Wear OS (now called just Wear) and Samsung’s Tizen will be combined into a unified platform. That should lead to apps launching faster and longer battery life. The company also said the next version of Wear OS will feature improved health and fitness tracking and better battery performance.
Privacy
Google is adding a number of privacy-focused features to Android, including a sandbox in Android, the Private Compute Core, that will securely store data used for machine learning.
Google Photos Now Has A ‘Locked Folder’
Google is now making it easier to keep your personal photos hidden. With Locked Folder in Google Photos, you can now keep them password protected.
The new feature announced at Google I/O 2021, is simple to use. Once you choose the images you want to add to the Locked Folder, you can only unlock it via the Google Photos app using a PIN or the fingerprint sensor.
With Locked Folder in @googlephotos, you can add photos to a passcode protected space and they won’t show up as you scroll through Photos or other apps on your phone. Locked Folder is launching first on Google Pixel, and more Android devices throughout the year. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/yGNoQ8vLdq
— Google (@Google) May 18, 2021
Google Pixel Buds A
Starting with the Pixel Buds A series, the Pixel Buds details were shared on Google’s official Android account on Twitter accidentally. Pixel Buds design is same as the promotional email leak, and will come in an all-white case apart from a dark ‘forest green’ design.
Project Starline
Google’s new Starline platform takes a new step in the video conferencing game, creating a 3D model of your family member while you talk to them.
The effect, according to Google, is such that it feels like that individual is sitting right in front of you, creating a more natural and immersive video chat experience. For now, Starline is something Google is testing at its offices, though it plans to let other companies trial the technology later this year.
New Updates To Google’s Camera Software
Google is working on updates to its camera and imaging products to make them better at capturing and reproducing skin tones accurately in images.
Google Maps
Google is making some changes to Google Maps, including rolling out new features for its Live View augmented reality tool. Google is also adding features to make maps more informative, such as showing different restaurants at different times of day, pointing out local landmarks if you’re visiting a new city, and showing how busy a certain area is.
Other notable additions include remote integration with Android TV OS and a digital car key feature. Speaking of cars, the company is also making it easier for developers to build Android Auto and Android Automotive apps. You can download Android 12 public beta today on select devices from 11 different manufacturers, including Google, OnePlus and ASUS.
