Google I/O: What Can We Expect?

May 4th, 2019

Google I/O: What Can We Expect?
David Quinn

by David Quinn

VP of Strategy & Partnerships at Gummicube, Inc.

Google I/O is fast approaching, and already the app world is abuzz with anticipation. The yearly conference tends announce new devices, software and technology, all of which are important for app developers and their App Store Optimization strategies. With the event only a few days away, it’s time to take a look at what one can anticipate and look forward to from the event.

Android Q

Google has been making strong headway on the development of Android Q. The latest beta recently launched, adding new capabilities such as Bubbles, Scoped Storage and updated restrictions for APIs.

It is likely that Google will reveal more information about Android Q. The successor to Android Pie is expected to launch later this summer, so this would be the time to get users excited and show developers what they can do with it. While developers should already be preparing their apps for Android Q from the beta, Google I/O could include new features or functionality for the phone that they’ll want to incorporate into their apps in time for its launch.

New Phones

Following the launch of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices, it is likely that Google will announce the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. Recent leaks have revealed information about the upcoming devices, including the not-free design, single rear 12.2-megapixel camera, 4GB of RAM and their 2,160 x 1,080 and 2,220 x 1080 displays.

While Google’s foldable devices have been delayed due to screen issues, folding phones are still on the way. In addition to the Galaxy Fold, folding models from companies like Huawei and Motorola are also hitting the market soon. We can expect to see more news on foldable phones from the conference, such as the latest updates on Galaxy Fold and its upcoming release.

Whatever devices are revealed, developers should pay close attention to them. The screen sizes, graphics and capabilities can all impact how apps will look and run on them. For devices with different dimensions, it’s important to make sure that an app looks good on each one, including screenshots. This is particularly true for foldable devices, which change their dimensions based on whether they’re folded or unfolded.

Gaming

At GDC 2019, Google announced its new Stadia gaming service. This is a game streaming service that provides games playable across TVs, computers and mobile devices, including cross-platform and split-screen gaming. While it provided a few demonstrations at GDC, the full scope of the gaming system has not been revealed.

Should Google reveal more about Stadia during Google I/O, developers of mobile games can see if it presents any opportunities for them. It may be possible to develop a port of a mobile game so it can be played across Stadia. Developers can also see what sort of games Google will be releasing and position their own mobile games as competitors or alternatives for players without a Stadia. Whichever route they take, it will take good App Store Optimization to market and position their mobile games in an environment that’s slowly moving towards cross-platform play.

And More

In preparation for the event, Google has begun encouraging media app developers to create apps for Android Automotive OS. It is likely that the company will unveil more information about it at Google I/O to build interest in Android Auto apps and compatible vehicles.

Similarly, Google has been working on its Smart Home technology, so it is possible that Google I/O will include new announcements for Assistant, such as advancements in its Machine Learning and AI features, or Home Mini and Hub. Early listings found a Nest Hub Max, which is a 10-inch smart display with a Nest camera that can be added to Google’s Home Hub.

Other events at Google I/O include tents or sandboxes dedicated to Augmented Reality, Android devices, Machine Learning and Assistants. Developers can visit these to see how they can integrate new features into their apps to make the most of Google’s technology. Once the apps are built, they’ll want to think about a solid App Store Optimization strategy to get them noticed and downloaded from the Google Play Store.

Want more information regarding App Store Optimization? Contact Gummicube and we’ll help get your strategy started.

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