Google finally revealed Tuesday the dates for its annual developer event, Google I/O. In typical fashion, the technology company left clues for developers to figure out the dates by solving five puzzles.
Interpreting those clues revealed the event will be held from May 17-19 at the Shoreline Theater in Mountain View, California, which was also the venue for Google I/O 2016. The company has also created an I/O website, but currently, it just displays an I/O icon and says: “Check back soon for more details.”
What announcements can we expect from the Google I/O 2017?
For one, keeping in mind that Google has previously announced its new Android versions, such as Android Nougat, at I/O, this year’s event could give developers a glimpse of the Android 8 OS. Android 8.0 or Android O (going by the company tradition of alphabetically naming its updates after desserts) might be publicly shown off at the event for the first time.
The next iteration of Android is expected to have improved VR functionality and bring Google Assistant to a wider array of Android devices. Assistant is currently exclusive to the company’s Pixel series devices. Another feature expected to roll out with the update is support for connected cars.
Google’s VR platform, Daydream, could also receive some new features. Google introduced its own Daydream View VR headset in 2016, which is currently compatible only with Pixel series devices. But the company is expected to bring along Daydream compatibility to more Android devices with Android O, as well as feature more VR- focused applications.
In addition, the company could push improvements to Google apps such as Google Drive.
The company updated its Google Voice functionality Tuesday by adding new icons and group messaging. While the company keeps on issuing incremental improvements and bug fixes to its native apps, they have been due for a major upgrade since 2012.