Google I/O 2016: Assistant, Home, Allo, Duo, Android N, and More

[inkswamp]

For those who think Google is so great... you have noticed that these are things that Google "aspires" to do and that they will release "later this year". These may be things that they do. In fact, the word "maybe" and "aspire" was thrown around A LOT.

While it appears that Google "intends" to have Google Assistant do some great things, I really don't see how it is much better than Siri initially, and I imagine that Apple will be upgrading Siri significantly in a few weeks. The only difference is that the update will be available with a firm timeframe and firm feature set.

Does Google not realize that things like Siri and AirPlay have already existed for years now and works great? How about HomeKit? While Apple has had some trouble getting that up and running from a hardware aspect... it is working and already integrated.

It seems to me that Google is pre-announcing what they are working on so when Apple announces finished products in a month, Google will look like it's still on top of things. Personally, I think it's a bunch a vaporware. I have no doubt they can deliver it... but I am willing to bet that it won't work great on launch and will take another two years to work... if Google doesn't shutter it yet.

Yes, I've noticed that about them for years. Google's not the only offender though. Many companies still, puzzlingly enough, follow the annoying Microsoft model of promising the moon, wowwing the crowds and then pushing it off for some future date that never really comes.

That's why I've always argued that the excitement you see at Apple's events is real and not hype ginned up by clever marketing. When Apple shows off something cool and jaw-dropping, they usually follow it up with "And it's available today" (or some very reasonable date in the very near future.) That's usually followed by a hands-on event where people can actually use or handle the cool thing that Apple just showed off. Apple creates hype by actually delivering something when showing it off.

 

[jkichline]

Allo: It's iMessage for people who didn't know that was invented like 5 years ago.
[doublepost=1463631415][/doublepost]Really? You added font size to your iMessage phone and get an applause? Are you freaking serious? I really don't think I can handle this keynote. It's so laughable. How do I WhisperShout that on here? OMG!!! It's idiotic.

 

[jeremiah256]

Allo: It's iMessage for people who didn't know that was invented like 5 years ago.
[doublepost=1463631415][/doublepost]Really? You added font size to your iMessage phone and get an applause? Are you freaking serious? I really don't think I can handle this keynote. It's so laughable. How do I WhisperShout that on here? OMG!!! It's idiotic.

iMessage doesn't have AI...yet. Allo does, as it draws from Google Assistant which seems to be Google Now, repackaged as a PaaS solution. Allo is more Google's response to Facebook Messenger's inclusion of bots, along with other apps, such as Slack and Telegram.

 

[Osty]

Nexus 6

Nexus 6 ships with Marshmallow. Even my 5 runs Marshmallow - but point taken, Android L and up adoption is pretty woeful

 

[jkichline]

Knock. Knock in Duo... it's perfect for perverts! Just dial a random name of someone you Googled and wave your junk. Wonderful!
[doublepost=1463632357][/doublepost]

iMessage doesn't have AI...yet. Allo does, as it draws from Google Assistant which seems to be Google Now, repackaged as a PaaS solution. Allo is more Google's response to Facebook Messenger's inclusion of bots, along with other apps, such as Slack and Telegram.

Agreed. But I also imagine that Apple will add that in less than a month. And actually deliver it right away.

 

[flashmac76]

I second @Zirel
Felt very much like copy & paste of what's out there. In regards to your listing you're missing a couple of items IMO:

• Allo = iMessage, etc.
• Duo = FaceTime, etc.
• Daydream = Occulus, etc.
• Android N Split-screen = Split-screen in today's Samsung TouchWiz. It even carries the very same icon
• Android Wear 2.0 = Apple WatchOS 2.0 with complications
• Google Now = Viv > seems this is definitely the way things are going to go

Talking about Viv.... on one hand this tech is:

• ultimately cool if you think how it can help you
• ultimately scary, because it reminds me too much of Terminator's Skynet.... how do you stop such AI if it can program itself? you'll have thought of a kill-switch that "it" will have removed because it considers that code inefficient

Call me paranoia - but this amount of tech that has been evolving lately, with Viv and now Google just presented: it's giving me the willies.
I don't want Google Home sitting listening into all my private conversations. Who tells me this tech is not eavesdropping ALL the time? sure the developers and the company will assure you only upon your permission. But permission to do what? Is it like: "sure...listen in all and just take the commands I give to you", but what about all the remaining private discussions you have with your family. I'd consider this too invasive to my likes.

Basically you're inviting Google to becoming officially the next NSA. I'd be curious to seeing the Terms & Conditions in their License Agreement in regards to data privacy.

Who wasn't appalled when hearing that Samsung's TV sent continuously all conversations to servers in Asia?
Google put up quite a fuss about their whole security aspect in Android N, but what about Data Privacy?

I wonder which direction Apple will be taking.... I feel more confident since the San Bernardino FBI hearing that Apple puts their energy into data privacy.

 

[TechZeke]

Someone is a liar. Most commuter train apps require Android 2.x which dates back to 2010 or older. Even the odd ball one that requires 4.1 is from 2012. If she got an update last year it's most likely 5.x.

Nice try, but nope. This is for Metrolink (So Cal Commuter Rail, which I work for) and the agency just released a brand-new ticketing app in the wake of lack of funding to replace the horrible ticket vending machines. She let me go to the google play store on her phone itself it and it said it was incompatible - then I checked her S4's software updates and it said it was up to date, with the last available update being from a year ago.

 

[mabaker]

Prototypes and nothing more. Google is struggling and everybody knows it.

 

[jkichline]

Hey everyone! Look at Vulkan! It's like Metal, only more than two years late.

If anything, this keynote is underscoring how far behind Google is when compared to Apple. Wow.

New JIT compiled... It's iOS Bitcode only another year or more late.

Nevermind the fact that almost NOBODY is going to be able run this version. I'm expecting a less than 10% adoption at IO17.

The update system is nice... except as an app developer I would rather give the user the choice as to when to install the OS update.

 

[Black Magic]

The Surface line is on par with any of Apple's devices. Cortana is just as good as Siri as well. OneDrive runs circles around iCloud Drive as well. And Microsoft has a firm grip on enterprise with Office and Exchange.

Yes, Windows Store is a joke and their mobile offering is like 5 years behind. But where's Apple's VR option? Where is Apple's Skylake? Where is Apple's transparency when it comes to issues and fixes? My Surface Book is rock solid and runs amazingly. I have my 15" rMBP as well but if you think Microsoft is that far behind, you're fooling yourself.

Yes, they are still the most 'lagging' out of the 3 (Apple, Google and Microsoft) but they're bridging the gap.

Bridging the gap? They are falling behind. Look at the XBox versus PS4. Last generation Microsoft was killing it with the 360. They then get arrogant and fumble the ball and are behind this generation.

SurfaceBook is another attempt at cloning Apple with MS twist to differentiate. It's an experiment to see if it sticks in an attempt to copy Apples formula. If you bought that gen 1 device, you may be heading for Surface RT heartbreak hotel.

Microsoft owns the enterprise but consumers and retail is another story. Generations are growing up on Apple and Google technology now. They will be the next CTOs. This scares the heck out of Microsoft.

VR is a joke. Nobody is running out wanting to buy one except techies. It will flop short term. The tech is not ready.

 

[ovo6]

Why I'm I seeing google news here Jesus Christ

 

[Osty]

Why I'm I seeing google news here Jesus Christ

Because they are a competitor? Because many of us use a mix of products and services from different vendors?

Not all of us have tunnel vision.

 

[TRICKorDEVICE]

Google hosted its annual I/O developers keynote at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California today, announcing multiple new products and services related to Android, search, messaging, home automation, and more.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is described as a "conversational assistant" that builds upon Google Now based on two-way dialog. The tool can be used, for example, to ask who directed the movie Avatar, and to ask which other movies he has directed, and Google should be able to isolate the questions from the conversation and provide answers.

The new Siri and Alexa rival, compatible with both voice and chat, will be widely available on Android, iOS, in the home, and elsewhere later this year.

Google Home

Google Home is a new Wi-Fi-enabled personal assistant device for the home that enables people to ask Google search queries, manage everyday tasks, enjoy music and entertainment, and more using hands-free "OK Google" voice commands.

The Amazon Echo rival features a clean, color-changing design with no buttons, a speaker on the bottom, multiple room support, remote control of Chromecast and other speakers, compatibility with Nest and other popular home automation platforms, and more.

Google Home can be used to make general searches, check flight statuses, track shipments, set dinner reservations, turn on lights or play music in certain rooms, receive real-time traffic and routing information, check your appointments, and more.

Google Home will be available later this year. Pricing was not disclosed.

Click here to read rest of article...

Article Link: Google I/O 2016: Assistant, Home, Allo, Duo, Android N, and More

Very impressive show. Step it up Apple. Leaning on privacy can only get you so far.

 

[aleni]

apple hardware is awesome, but apple services are slow and doomed. google services are much better.

 

[MeatballTheBulldog]

I don't get what all the posts saying Google being more innovative with these releases. Not to say that these products are not hard work and can be good, but 4 of them are me-too rip-offs, to Amazon Alexa, Siri/Cortana, FaceTime, and yet another smartwatch (which, when Apple is involved, is a viewed as an overrated market), 3 of them are years late to the party, and a OS update.

And some guy here is even saying having more women on stage is the main thing that Google is beating Apple on? If you just choose to be negative...

 

[SHNXX]

What are you talking about?

Android N?

Nagger.
It's a South park reference.

 

[John Mcgregor]

I don't get what all the posts saying Google being more innovative with these releases. Not to say that these products are not hard work and can be good, but 4 of them are me-too rip-offs, to Amazon Alexa, Siri/Cortana, FaceTime, and yet another smartwatch (which, when Apple is involved, is a viewed as an overrated market), 3 of them are years late to the party, and a OS update.

And some guy here is even saying having more women on stage is the main thing that Google is beating Apple on? If you just choose to be negative...

It's just a thing they do to keep them in the news.

 

[mi7chy]

Nice try, but nope. This is for Metrolink (So Cal Commuter Rail, which I work for) and the agency just released a brand-new ticketing app in the wake of lack of funding to replace the horrible ticket vending machines. She let me go to the google play store on her phone itself it and it said it was incompatible - then I checked her S4's software updates and it said it was up to date, with the last available update being from a year ago.

I just skimmed through the reviews and it's a crapplet issue. Low reviews also apply to iOS version.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.justride.metrolink

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/metrolink/id1083843914

failed to launch on Android 6.0.1 I had Android 5.1.1 and just updated to 6.0.1. now it fails to load. I have the monthly ticket, hopefully they don't. check until it's fixed

 

[jeremiah256]

Knock. Knock in Duo... it's perfect for perverts! Just dial a random name of someone you Googled and wave your junk. Wonderful!
[doublepost=1463632357][/doublepost]
Agreed. But I also imagine that Apple will add that in less than a month. And actually deliver it right away.

I'd have to think about it, but I don't think Apple's security model will allow bots in iMessage. Apple's solution will probably to integrate vendors and other applications into Siri instead.

 

[John Mcgregor]

apple hardware is awesome, but apple services are slow and doomed. google services are much better.

Yes, i like your proof.

 

[theheadguy]

Macrumors comment section is awesome. Apple announces news, nothing but vitriol. Google makes some pretty boring announcements, everyone is getting in line to give Sergey Brin a reach-around. On a Mac forum. Good stuff.

It's fair to say you are really the typical forum user here. Not all of us pee our pants with glee with the news of Siri for Mac’s Colorful Waveform Dock Icon Reveal.

 

[mrfrosty]

They hate Apple actually, and btw, welcome to the new macrumors.

And some people are just blind to reality. Siri is absolute garbage, basic voice detection when there is any background noise is just awful. Siri via the Apple Watch, don't even go there.

I don't hate Apple but i am realistic. I think apple are way behind on their services. Photo's for example has brilliant basic functionality, absolutely fantastic......but it's just so basic these days it does not feel like it has advanced since launch. The same for iCloud drive.....it's fantastic at a basic level....but it's not improving, still no selective sync or other dropbox type functionality. I'm not thinking 'innovation', I'm thinking functionality is missing. To me it seems like they have about 10 people working on updating OSX & IOS and they starve them of budget !!!! ;-)

 

[John Mcgregor]

And some people are just blind to reality. Siri is absolute garbage, basic voice detection when there is any background noise is just awful. Siri via the Apple Watch, don't even go there.

I don't hate Apple but i am realistic. I think apple are way behind on their services. Photo's for example has brilliant basic functionality, absolutely fantastic......but it's just so basic these days it does not feel like it has advanced since launch. The same for iCloud drive.....it's fantastic at a basic level....but it's not improving, still no selective sync or other dropbox type functionality. I'm not thinking 'innovation', I'm thinking functionality is missing. To me it seems like they have about 10 people working on updating OSX & IOS and they starve them of budget !!!! ;-)

Maybe it's not supposed to have selective sync. Siri works fine knowing american accents.

 

[Bregalad]

iMessage doesn't have AI...yet. Allo does, as it draws from Google Assistant which seems to be Google Now, repackaged as a PaaS solution. Allo is more Google's response to Facebook Messenger's inclusion of bots, along with other apps, such as Slack and Telegram.

Do you conduct all your personal conversations by standing in the middle of the mall and shouting so absolutely everyone around you can hear every word? I didn't think so.

So why does anyone want to use something like Allo? Google Assistant will be monitoring every word you say in order to better "serve" you.

I cannot believe how many people like the idea of an assistant that listens to every word. The next step will be "smart" internet of things appliances that respond to voice commands. They'll have microphones embedded in places you can't access and there will be no way to disable them giving Samsung or Amazon or the FBI the ability to listen in every second of the day. We won't be told about it and even if we are, I fear most won't even care.

When I use iMessage I know that only the participants in the conversation know what's being said. The ability to speak without being overheard by any manufacturer, ISP, OS maker, hacker or government agency is too important to give up.

 

[Zirel]

iMessage doesn't have AI...yet. Allo does, as it draws from Google Assistant which seems to be Google Now, repackaged as a PaaS solution. Allo is more Google's response to Facebook Messenger's inclusion of bots, along with other apps, such as Slack and Telegram.

The AI is just a poor excuse for them to data mine your texts!

AI is not possible for Apple, because they have E2E encryption.
[doublepost=1463643021][/doublepost]

And some people are just blind to reality. Siri is absolute garbage, basic voice detection when there is any background noise is just awful. Siri via the Apple Watch, don't even go there.

Google's is even worse. And they lie to people, and fanboys eat that and spew that on the internet, like it's scientific.