Google I/O 2015 Keynote New Technology Round-Up

[dgstorm]

The image above is the new Google & GoPro Array camera for creating VR content.​

Google I/O 2015 just held its first day Keynote earlier today. Even though we shared a couple of the releases which kicked off from the event, we thought it would be worthwhile to give you a one stop shop to check out most of the main highlights from the event.

The following is a round-up of the biggest new innovations revealed at Google I/O 2015's KeyNote:

• Expeditions - new virtual reality tool - much cheaper (yet still effective) cardboard version of VR than the competition from Oculus Rift and Microsoft's HoloLens - this is basically the evolution of the cardboard concept they shared previously.
• Google Photos - a brand new app to help users manage their digital images - smart enough to automatically organize your photos - offers easier control of photo collections and albums - automatically backs up all your pictures from multiple devices - offers a slew of new and easy to use sharing functions - support for storing unlimited photos (up to 16-megapixel) and videos (up to 1080p) in the cloud - all free to the user.
• Google Maps improvements - even without an active Internet connection, Google Maps will let you search inside Google Maps - this includes access to reviews and open hours for businesses - turn-by-turn voice navigation will become available offline.
• "Secret VR Weapon" - Google and GoPro teamed-up to create a special Array camera which can capture 360-degree footage, and records video with 16 cameras to create a more immersive VR experience that can be uploaded to a VR version of YouTube.

What do you guys think? Can Google deliver on these exciting ideas?

Also, just in case we missed anything that you think is particularly exciting from the Google I/O today, feel free to add anything you liked from the event in the thread below.

[*Update: We didn't include Android M because of course that is one of the main focuses of the Google I/O conference. We will give it a separate post.]

 

[LoudRam]

Offline turn by turn navigation is definitely my favorite on that list. I use GPS everyday for my job and while my Tomtom works fine it's been a few years since the maps have been updated and they are expensive to update ($70-$80). The only thing stopping me from using Google Maps everyday is I have limited data. Now that won't be an issue.

 

[LoneWolfArcher]

Offline turn by turn navigation is definitely my favorite on that list. I use GPS everyday for my job and while my Tomtom works fine it's been a few years since the maps have been updated and they are expensive to update ($70-$80). The only thing stopping me from using Google Maps everyday is I have limited data. Now that won't be an issue.

Yes but will you be able to hear the directions over your Loud Ram?

 

[LoudRam]

Usually not. I have to keep a close eye on the screen. To answer my phone using Moto Assist voice I have to roll up my windows, turn down my stereo, and take my foot off the gas pedal and let the truck coast. Now my work truck is a quiet Chevy. I can hear my phone fine in that.