Google Updates after I/O

It seems sometimes that Google announces one funky new device after another in its bid to out-Apple Apple. But this year was different. This year's Google conference was far more muted, with a bigger focus on developers and updates than flashy showmanship.

What's going on with Google? Well, more than 900 million devices use Android. That's a lot of hardware, and Android now boasts a bigger market share than Apple's iOS software. Google Chrome also has become the most popular Web browser, comfortably edging out Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Clearly Google believes it's headed in the right direction, and those who develop apps for it are creating twice as many per user as they did last year. Basically, developers can make money from Google—at least, that's one of the messages Google tried to impart at its conference.

Naturally, there's more to it than money. Google has lots of cool new tools, including a new API for its highly regarded Google Maps. It can now be used to trigger display events based upon where you are, determining your location through your device. It also can determine how you're traveling, whether that's walking, driving, or cycling. The new Google Maps can also see what your friends are recommending, such as restaurants, and make appropriate recommendations.

Also announced at the Google conference: Android updates that you will let you begin to play a game on your phone and then play a subsequent level on your iOS tablet or Windows-based PC. This doesn't just relate to games; it can also be used for almost any type of app. There's also a new developer app called Android Studio, which looks great.

One of the glaring holes in Google's armory has now been filed: a Siri-like application. Thanks to Google Maps, which has even managed to map North Korea, you can ask for directions and schedule appointments. However, Google Maps can take you right inside participating restaurants and other buildings. You can check out the layout and general ambience of a place before setting foot in it. This is one of the bigger things to come out of the Google conference. You can also set alerts and send emails simply with your voice.

Google also announced a streaming service that looks primed to compete against Spotify. This Android update will allow you to stream music to your various devices and will cost about $10 per month.

Perhaps it's more interesting to consider what wasn't brought up at the Google conference. Only one device was announced, and it wasn't an entirely new device, just an update. There was nothing official about Google Glass or Google Fiber, two technologies Google has been actively investing in and experimenting with. In addition, there was no announcement about a new Android OS, although—as Ringing Thoughts pointed out—an announcement is expected soon.

Effectively, the Google conference was about broadening Google's software and encouraging developers to produce solid apps. However, these updates have effectively sorted out some of Google's weaknesses and may even have finally put it ahead of Apple in terms of innovation.

(Photo courtesy of twobee / freedigitalphotos.net)