Tech, Now + Beyond

4 awesome projects announced at Google I/O 2019 we’re excited for

Who run the world? Google!

By May. 17, 2019
A black man and woman are at a desk, in front of two computers with code on the screens. The woman is leaning in as she explains something to the man. In the background, another woman is seated at a computer.
Attribution: [Image description: A black man and woman are at a desk, in front of two computers with code on the screens. The woman is leaning in as she explains something to the man. In the background, another woman is seated at a computer.] Via NESA by Makers on Unsplash

Google I/O 2019 recently took place in the first week of May in Mountain View, CA. The annual three-day event brought a whirlwind of information with it about upcoming updates in Android, Google Assistant’s new abilities, demonstrations of thrilling features we can expect in Google Lens and Duplex and much, much more!

Of the amazing eye-opening projects announced, here are 4 we’re most keen on:

1. AR in Search

A laptop screen is shown with Google Search loaded on the webpage.
[Image description: A laptop screen is shown with Google Search loaded on the webpage.] Via Benjamin Dada on Unsplash
Google Search is a godsend as it is, pulling up millions of relevant searches for you in a matter of seconds, and it’s kicking it up a notch by introducing augmented reality (AR) in its search options. At its most basic, AR brings the digital into the real world.

Later this year, Google Search will begin displaying 3D models of our searches to give users a more rounded sense of their query. Look up a penguin, for instance, then point your camera one way and a to-scale model will pop up. No news on how many searches will display AR results but the feature will definitely be a help to many, especially in terms of education.

2. AI for Social Good

A group of women of different ethnicities are sitting around a table, laughing. In front of them sit laptops with code on the screens.
[Image description: A group of women of different ethnicities are sitting around a table, laughing. In front of them sit laptops with code on the screens.] Via Nicole De Khors on Burst
In these times, developers and engineers are working to use AI for addressing societal challenges such as at Google’s AI for Social Good which, according to its program lead Carla Bromberg, “aims to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to the world’s biggest humanitarian, environmental and social issues.”

This year, at Google I/O 2019, developers showcased a number of projects being developed like the Flood Forecasting Initiative which will help warn people in advance by incorporating it into a Google Public Alert so evacuation can occur ahead of the danger. Others include making use of deep learning to assess cardiovascular risk factors and even using bioacoustics sound research to understand and protect marine life. 

3. Live Caption Videos

Two men are cuddled together on a couch. One man is holding his phone in front of them as they watch a video.
[Image description: Two men are cuddled together on a couch. One man is holding his phone in front of them as they watch a video.] Via Alex Suprun on Unsplash
In today’s world, tech is one of the main drivers of all tasks. Therefore, the need for accessible tech grows ever-stronger. Google will soon be rolling out live captions in all videos with their Android Q operating system.

Live transcription will be available on videos online, in your camera roll, on an app, and even within video chats and phone calls. This is amazing for those with impaired hearing. 

4. Google Lens 

A woman in a white tee holds her phone between her hands as she uses it.
[Image description: A woman in a white tee holds her phone between her hands as she uses it.] Via Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
A host of updates were announced for Google Lens as well. Soon, Lens will be contextualizing information on pieces of paper. For one, you can point the camera at a receipt to bring up a bill plus tip calculator. There will be an option for live text-to-speech translation too. Scan a restaurant menu and Lens will straight-up highlight the highly-recommended dishes by pulling the information off Google reviews.

Hovering the lens over publications that Google is partnered up with – like Bon Appétit Magazine – will bring them to life. We’re making great strides towards interactivity and ease!

There are plenty of other exciting announcements which were made during Google I/O 2019 such as the launch of the new Pixel 3A. Other announcements made included upcoming incognito modes in Google Maps and YouTube as well as increasing Google Assistant’s interactivity. The latter includes a personal fav, the ability to literally tell your alarm to “stop” ringing. 

The tech world is constantly evolving and reaching new milestones. Focusing on the positive effects of technology with events like Google I/O and finding new ways of celebrating and innovating said tech is going to bring forth a riveting time period – what a time to be alive!