Google I/O 2016: How AI Assistant, Android N, and Daydream Are Redefining Smart Tech

On May 19 at 1 a.m., Google held its annual I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California. Unlike previous years, the event was outdoors with live performances and was hosted by CEO Sundar Pichai.

Google announced several new products, including the smart speaker Google Home, the voice assistant Google Assistant, the messaging app Allo, the video‑calling app Duo, the Android N operating system, Android Wear 2.0, and the Daydream virtual‑reality platform.

Google Assistant is the latest AI voice assistant, combining Google Search deep‑learning and Google Now personal‑information learning to help users in natural conversations.

Unlike Siri or Cortana, Assistant is not a standalone app; it is tightly integrated with Google devices and services, powering Google Home, Allo, and third‑party services such as Spotify and Uber.

Google Home, announced at I/O, is a compact smart‑speaker without physical buttons, featuring an LED indicator and built‑in Google Assistant. It can play music, answer questions, and control compatible home appliances.

Allo is described as an “intelligent” chat app that incorporates Google services and Assistant, allowing users to search, get location info, or ask for recommendations while chatting, with end‑to‑end encryption and a “stealth” mode.

Duo is a video‑calling app similar to FaceTime, notable for showing a preview of the remote video before the call connects, and it supports both iOS and Android.

Android N (later known as Android 7.0) brings about 250 new features, including the Vulkan graphics API for better rendering and power efficiency, a faster compiler that speeds up app installation by 75 % and reduces storage use, a simplified multitask bar limited to seven apps, a “clear all” button, and a built‑in VR mode as part of Daydream.

Daydream is Google’s new Android‑based VR platform, requiring compatible phones with special sensors. Google showcased content such as YouTube VR, Street View VR, and announced partnerships with Netflix, HBO, EA, and others.

Android Wear 2.0 introduces LTE and Wi‑Fi connectivity, allowing smartwatches to operate independently of phones, with automatic activity detection, smart replies, handwriting recognition, and even a QWERTY keyboard.