Andromeda: a hybrid between Chrome OS and Android
According to an article published in the Wall Street Journal, Google has been working on Andromeda, the platform used in their Chromebooks, for a while. It's a hybrid operating system that combines Android and Chrome OS.
The main idea behind this operating system is to use only one convergent platform adapted to every device, whether it's from Google or any other manufacturer. According to the WSJ, a preview of Andromeda will be presented on the planned Tuesday but it's official launch won't be until 2017.
Google has already taken some steps in this direction. A good example of this is that starting this year, you can now download the Google Play Store on their Chromebooks.
Chromecast Ultra: the "premium" version of their media streaming device
During the event on October 4th, Google could present a turbo version of their ever popular Chromecast. It would be called Chromecast Ultra and would be capable of showing videos in 4K.
Google smartwatches
The presentation on the October 4 may touch on smartwatches as well. According to Android Police, the company may present two smartwatches completely developed by Google. They would come equipped with the 2.0 version of Android Wear, its operating system for wearables.
The models are reportedly code-named Angelfish and Swordfish. One would be a sport device equipped with GPS, LTE, three physical buttons, and a dial with a diameter of 46mm. The second would be more casual, with a diameter of 42mm and basic functions such as sending SMS, emails and calendar.
The idea is that Google would have total control over its watches. This will allow for faster updates and will put these devices in direct competition with the Samsung Gear and Apple Watch.
A Google router?
This device has gone fairly unnoticed by the general public but the fact is that Google is collaborating with TP-Link to develop their own router.
With the name Google Wi-Fi (very original, right?!), the device will have easy installation and come equipped with some smart features like creating a network with a wider connection area.
Plus, the design would also be put at the forefront, making it a good fit with the rest of the devices that Google would like to include in their domestic line. But, just as important as its functionality, will be its price tag. It's expected to sell for $129 in North America.
Virtual reality glasses with Daydream
In my opinion, this is the least likely to be announced during the Google event. I say that because during the last Google I/O, Daydream was presented as more of a business platform to create high quality virtual reality applications. From there, it could be concluded that there will be an app and games store called Daydream Home.
At no time has Google presented Daydream as a brand but more as an ecosystem based in virtual reality, something totally distinct from anything out there.
Nonetheless, there are rumors that Google will bring its virtual reality glasses based on its Daydream platform. Only a few people have information about the project but it seems that Google has contracted YouTubers dubbed "influencers" to create system content. That doesn't give us much of a hint about the hardware though.
More about Google Home
Also showcased at Google I/O was Google Home. It's arrival to the marketplace puts it in competition with other personal assistant type products, such as Amazon Echo.
Google Home has an official price tag of $129, that is to say, $50 less than its rival at Amazon. Plus, many of its features were presented during I/O and Google let it be known they would be a contender in the "virtual butler" marketplace.
What do you think we'll see on October 4? What are you looking forward to aside from the Pixel phones?
No comments:
Post a Comment