Developers gathered for Google I/O 2013 to get a glimpse at some of the future plans of the search giant. Here’s a roundup of some of the top stories to emerge from Google I/O 2013.
Music subscription service – Google Play Music All Access will launch at $9.99 a month, and will compete directly with services such as Spotify and Pandora. You can create radio stations out of music you own, or listen to anything Google has in the store. Only downside is the clunky name.
Google+ Overhaul – Google’s attempt at social networking has floundered as casual users try to figure out exactly what it is. Google has decided to do a massive overhaul to rectify the problem. The goal is to make the tools easier to use. There are 41 new features for Google+, including new design elements, Hangout features, photo-editing tools, and expanded free storage
Voice Search for Chrome – Chrome or Chrome OS users can search with a simple, “Okay, Google…” You don’t even have to activate the microphone. You can do an Internet search, play a song from Google Music, and set up a reminder. The technology looks quite impressive.
Google Play for Education – This new program for educators that will allow them to manage tablets as well as discover, purchase and distribute content to students. Google is looking to make it a top destination for educational content within Google Play. The program offers bulk purchases and instant distribution that lets a teacher instantly deliver and manage apps being used in their classroom.
Google Play Games tools – Google introduced a new set of Google Play Games Services APIs. They give developers the power of cloud save to allow them sync games across devices.
Google Maps update – Google unveiled a revamped version of their famous Maps. You’ll find more detailed search results, public transit schedules, and 3D Google Earth imagery.
Google Glass – Sorry to disappoint, but Google’s futuristic Glass was not on the I/O 2013 agenda.