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

[igorsky]

Hi, this is Google Home. Our internal AI can't handle home automation, unlike Siri, so we're going to invent a box you can talk to instead! One more thing...we're also blessing you with our sixth attempt at a messaging app because we still can't get it right! And as a surprise bonus, you'll need a separate app for video! Aren't we awesome?? Hail Google!


In other news, Apple made it much more difficult for someone to hack your phone. No biggie.

 

[69Mustang]

The flip side of that though is Google pretty much is the public face of the internet. They've won search, they've won the browser war, and they're the dominate player in mobile. We seem to have entrusted a great deal of information to Google for no obvious reason. Google is kinda scary and with them heavily into the IOT it's going to get worse.

Scary, I've heard that statement a lot. Pressed for details, no one seems to come up with a cogent argument. What exactly do people think Google is going to do with the information? How is Google's data collection any more scary than Facebook's, Instagram, MacRumors, or Apple's? Google is pretty darn transparent about their intentions.

I understand people taking a principled stance regarding privacy. What I've seen in this forum though is selective principles. Google datamines = bad. Apple datamines = acceptable. Both companies use that info in the exact same manner: "...so that we can better understand customer behavior and to help us create, develop, operate, deliver, and improve our products, services, content and advertising..."

Thus far I've been speaking in generalities. But to you specifically, what's scary and how do you reconcile the belief that somehow Apple and Google are doing something differently?

 

[Aston441]

Alexa is this THING talking to you:



http://www.theatlantic.com/technolo...lievable-power-of-amazon-web-services/391281/

Apple doesn't have one of these and is scrambling to build one.

Google has one but it is small and weak compared to the Amazon.


That THING is the tech worlds true competition.

It has been estimated that the Amazon Datacenter is worth $100 Billion.

Apple is starting now to build their own:

http://fortune.com/2016/02/02/apple-data-center-move/


It will cost them a lot and they are coming to the game late. They have innovative Beats though, and a car is coming powered by Apple Maps so maybe that will save them?

 

[lowendlinux]

Scary, I've heard that statement a lot. Pressed for details, no one seems to come up with a cogent argument. What exactly do people think Google is going to do with the information? How is Google's data collection any more scary than Facebook's, Instagram, MacRumors, or Apple's? Google is pretty darn transparent about their intentions.

I understand people taking a principled stance regarding privacy. What I've seen in this forum though is selective principles. Google datamines = bad. Apple datamines = acceptable. Both companies use that info in the exact same manner: "...so that we can better understand customer behavior and to help us create, develop, operate, deliver, and improve our products, services, content and advertising..."

Thus far I've been speaking in generalities. But to you specifically, what's scary and how do you reconcile the belief that somehow Apple and Google are doing something differently?

The fact that that much information is in the hands of one company is scary, that's a lot of power an organization that's not really accountable.

Data collection isn't inherently bad data collection at the level google collects is especially since its generally done unwittingly.

It's all about scale and willingness you intentionally opt-in on social media you don't intentionally opt-in using google and the web. I can consciously not use MS and I don't, I can consciously not use Apple and I don't but it's very difficult to avoid Google on the web

 

[Zaft]

Alexa is this THING talking to you:



http://www.theatlantic.com/technolo...lievable-power-of-amazon-web-services/391281/

Apple doesn't have one of these and is scrambling to build one.

Google has one but it is small and weak compared to the Amazon.


That THING is the tech worlds true competition.

It has been estimated that the Amazon Datacenter is worth $100 Billion.

Apple is starting now to build their own:

http://fortune.com/2016/02/02/apple-data-center-move/


It will cost them a lot and they are coming to the game late. They have innovative Beats though, and a car is coming powered by Apple Maps so maybe that will save them?

Competition is great, there would be no fire stick if google had not made chromecast first.

 

[mi7chy]

No. It won't let her install the app at all. The play store literally says its not compatible and it won't even download.

It's a brand new app, and they are still working on several improvements such mechanisms to prevent people from buying tickets when no trains are running and working with LA Metro to add barcode readers on the Red Line turnstiles. There are allot of hard working people trying to improve the system with the limited funding available from the stingy member agencies. While the system has its issues, I don't really appreciate you calling it "Metrostink".

Does Metrostink bother to read all the reviews? It's clearly an app issue so have them fix it instead of lazily marking devices as incompatible.

Won't Work on Samsung Galaxy S4 App crashes immediately at launch, as noted by previous reviewer also using Galaxy S4. I'm on T-Mobile by the way.

Crashes The app crashes upon launch. If the app doesn't work on a Samsung Galaxy S4 then it won't work on a Galaxy S3.

Doesn't work on my phone Unable to use it. Crashes immediately on my Samsung Galaxy S4.

I was a beta tester....and now I can't download the app because it's not compatible with my phone model???? Really....Get it together Metrolink....emailed the developer and still waiting for a response.......

 

[duffman9000]

Do you have location services turned on? Or, perhaps, you could have typed Monrovia, CA ?? What if you wanted to actually look at Monrovia, not your local - and perhaps meaningless - locality??

Of course I have location services turned on. Why should I include the state in my search when the city is located less than 30 miles away? I don't have to type Hollywood, CA.

Furthermore, if I enlarge the map to view more surrounding cities Maps will find Monrovia just fine. If use the default view seen when first opening Maps it decides to search a continent away.

It's a search problem and Apple absolutely sucks at search.

 

[639051]

Do you talk with marbles or food in your mouth? Do you drive with the windows down? I don't exactly have a clear distinctive voice but Siri understands me very well. It wasn't so hot originally but has gotten better and better.

As for all the predictable fellatio of Google's incredible announcements: where's the beef? Remember when Google Glass would revolutionize the world?

Yes, I drive with marbles in my mouth and with the windows down and a bulldozer doing demolition right next to me.

I am glad Siri works for you, it does not work for me and many others I have spoken with. And then compared with Google's tech for voice recognition, Siri is the inbred cousin you don't want to talk about.
[doublepost=1463665537][/doublepost]

And here we have the guy who believes if you disagree with something negative that was said about Apple, you are a troll.

No, pretty clear that many people on this forum think exactly what I stated above. That's very clear when this site covers a Google topic. Earth to this forum, but a lot of Android sites cover Apple events too.

 

[d00d]

I find that Google is big on new ideas, short on polish and even shorter on those ideas surviving. I am not interested in experimental stuff; I want my products to be polished, have good design and work flawlessly.

Like Siri.

 

[mi7chy]

Of course I have location services turned on. Why should I include the state in my search when the city is located less than 30 miles away? I don't have to type Hollywood, CA.

Furthermore, if I enlarge the map to view more surrounding cities Maps will find Monrovia just fine. If use the default view seen when first opening Maps it decides to search a continent away.

It's a search problem and Apple absolutely sucks at search.

I have the same issue with Apple Maps. When I search for a local landmark within less than 30 minute drive for directions it gives me unrelated results for another state. Seems like it doesn't take into consideration geolocation.

I have to resort to using Google Maps which works fine. Too bad I can't make it the default.

 

[shk718]

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.

I agree - granted Google does some great things, but, everyone is all excited about how innovative they are when they show unfinished work that often never comes to fruition - hello google glass... Apple only show stuff they're ready to sell and people call them uninventive. Hello!!! we've had most of what google showed off for years. Amazon did echo last year and FaceBook just introduced bots - which look useless to me. Just about everything they showed has already been done.

 

[Black Magic]

Well, Google is working to integrate all kinds of services - even if that means writing another messaging/FaceTime style implementation and hype that on stage. Not bad, it kind of show the direction that home automation is going.

I like to use the best services available on my platform. So Google services on iOS are fine with me. Mostly I prefer the Apple ones, but foremost because I have the feeling Apple is spying on me less than Google does.

And with Google Home, CONSTANTLY LISTENING....Google is finally where they want to be. Right in your house, your home, your place. Constantly listening. I wouldn't recommend it for now ;-)

Grtz,
R.

Why recommend it ever? With Google, you are the product. Expecting any level of privacy with Google is ridiculous. Now they have built a bot into their messaging app and on the outside it looks innocent. It's really data mining regardless of how they spin it.

 

[LordVic]

You must not go out much, because My Nexus 5 had Marshmallow less than a month after it was released.

heck, i'm a Galaxy S6, and IT already has marshmallow... though still slow.. Thanks Samsung >.<

But a different Daydream than the Android VR platform that's called Daydream...

yup. thats not going to get confusing at all

 

[TechZeke]

Does Metrostink bother to read all the reviews? It's clearly an app issue so have them fix it instead of lazily marking devices as incompatible.

According to last board meeting on Friday, it's being done by a 3rd party so no one other than board would have control.

Also, assuming they are working to fix the bug now, it would seem like a wise discision to mark those devices as incompatible so that people don't buy their tickets on the app until they release a new version.

I've used the app 4 times when I forgot badge and it worked without issue on my iPhone 6S. However, you just seem to have an issue with the company regardless of what I say, so I'm through discussing this.

 

[Abazigal]

I'm back to this thread late. I don't think Google is Apple's worry now, at least no more than usual. AMAZON is everyone's worry. Alexa, powered by Amazon's back end, possibly the most concentrated collection of raw processing power on earth, caught everyone with their pants down. Somehow some engineer finally managed to convince a manager to spend $50 per unit on a microphone array as a front end to that power, and then that manager managed to convince the project approval committee that it would sell. The rest is history.

Can you imagine an engineer trying to get penny pinching Cook, three years ago, to put a $50 microphone in anything? That engineer would have been fired. And THAT is what's wrong with Apple now. They think cost cutting, not big ideas and dreams.

I see it more as the other way.

Apple is still Apple. They begin with the end in mind, then work backwards to see how to deliver the desired end user experience. Problem is, Apple has a knack with shipping "just good enough" specs to provide that experience, possibly in part due to cost-cutting concerns, which in turn means that devices tend to not be very future-proof (I find my iOS devices consistently start to slow down after the 2nd major software update). The current iPhone 6+ is the device to watch, since it sports only 1gb of ram.

Apple will spend if they need to. They bother with custom processors and go to all the extra trouble to lock down touch-ID (to the extent that it can inadvertently brick your phone) because that's what helps to define the end user experience they want consumers to have. They bother to calibrate your iMac displays as accurately as possible because the target audience tends to be more interested in photography and video editing. There's 4gb ram in the 12.9" iPad Pro, not just to help with the increased resolution but also to make a statement about it being a laptop replacement.

In this context, I believe that Apple will put a $50 microphone product if they need to, but you must first convince them that there is a genuine need to, and they see it ties in with the ecosystem overall.

 

[LordVic]

Siri rarely understands me when I ask her simple things like what's the weather like.

I/O just nudged me a bit closer to switching to android.

I constantly try using both Siri and Google's now offering. I have both iOS and Android devices

Google Now's voice recognition, and responses, while having less personality, is far far FAR more accurate.

Its a running gag at this point how little work Apple has put into Siri's quality of Service since they launched.

"Hey Siri, Whats the weather today" almost always responds with "Let me do a search for that" and some non-sensible web search results. Heck, yesterday, it got the closest i've ever seen and actually did a text search for the dictionary word "Whether"

Yet, Every day, without fail, "Ok Google, Whats the weather today" and then it proceeds to dictate to me current weather at my location, and the rest of the forecast for the day.

At the end of the day, I have far more confidence in Google's voice services at this point. I use it constantly now for reminders during the day ("Ok google, remind me in an hour my laundry is done") to even more complex ones ("Ok google, remind me when i get home after 7pm tonight to call my mother")

Nevermind the advacned features you get with Google now, like knowing your flight times to remind you via cards without any user intervention required. to understanding my news habbits and providing me relevant news to my habits. Something that iOS has never been able to get right.
[doublepost=1463668151][/doublepost]

I would be totally excited about this if I didn't invest in other similar Google products such as Hangouts, Google Plus, etc. Google seems to have teams working on the same products and releasing them independently. Versus the more consumer friendly scenario of making current products better. I guarantee you these "efforts" will be done within three years. However, this year, I will be withdrawing my support for many of Google's products/services/apps.

This is what I don't get.

Why Allo? Why ora? auro? whatever...

why hangouts?

there's duplication of services going on here. some features in one, some in another, some shared, but neither talks to eachother? its confusing.

at this point, i'm not looking for yet ANOTHER set of communication tools. I'm looking for streamlining my communication tools into as few as possible for the widest audiences. I myself, will not be jumping on these two new platforms. I'll continue to use the existing video, voice and text communication tool ALREADY IN HANGOUTS!

 

[69Mustang]

The fact that that much information is in the hands of one company is scary, that's a lot of power an organization that's not really accountable.

Data collection isn't inherently bad data collection at the level google collects is especially since its generally done unwittingly.

It's all about scale and willingness you intentionally opt-in on social media you don't intentionally opt-in using google and the web. I can consciously not use MS and I don't, I can consciously not use Apple and I don't but it's very difficult to avoid Google on the web

I can agree that Google holds an inordinate amount of customer information. But you still haven't said anything about what's scary. Typically, I can point to something scary and say this is scary to me because of X, be it past history, current actions, or personal experience. I fall back to using Apple as a comparison because that's the generally accepted thing to do. Apple has just as much information on customers as Google, but you seem to not have concern there. Also, both companies allow you to opt out of data tracking.

To be clear, I'm not saying either company is doing something wrong. It's just an interesting thing the binary opinions about Google and Apple. Two companies that do the exact same things regarding data collection.

 

[mi7chy]

Also, assuming they are working to fix the bug now, it would seem like a wise discision to mark those devices as incompatible so that people don't buy their tickets on the app until they release a new version.

I've used the app 4 times when I forgot badge and it worked without issue on my iPhone 6S. However, you just seem to have an issue with the company regardless of what I say, so I'm through discussing this.

That wasn't difficult to finally admit the truth, was it? iOS version of Metrostink isn't in the clear either since its rating is even lower at 2.5 stars vs 3 stars. Too bad Apple App Store limits reviews to three otherwise I'd like to see what iOS users have to say about Metrostink.

 

[AsherN]

I'm still trying to figure out the Siri "suggestions" on the Spotlight page. The 4 contacts seem to change randomly.

That page is completely useless compared to Google Now. Flight information cards. Hotel stays. Package delivery notices, all without intervention. I book a flight. The confirmation comes to my email. I'll get a card in Google now with updated info. I'll get a reminder when it's time to leave, using live traffic information.

I never used the Voice Assistant much. Haven't used Siri yet so I can't make a good comparison of those. But so far Apple has nothing remotely close to Google Now.

 

[LordVic]

I find that Google is big on new ideas, short on polish and even shorter on those ideas surviving. I am not interested in experimental stuff; I want my products to be polished, have good design and work flawlessly.
[doublepost=1463653965][/doublepost]

In iOS' defence, Apple cannot put out some of the half baked stuff that Google puts out - Apple's customers are pretty fussy and they pay a premium price, so they would revolt.

I think you've nailed a couple great points.

on your first one: Google, and Microsoft both have departments that are (at least from Redmond's side) called Tech Evangelists. Their jobs are to go around, talk to people, and try and invent / come up with new tech ideas. They are told "go invent something" and that is their jobs. They do this very publicly, openly and loudly (hence the evangelist moniker). Their very existence is to come up with new ideas, and prototype them. I have a buddy who works in one of these departments for one of the big boys, and the things they come up with range from the absolute ludicrous to absolutely amazing.

but part of this is also once they've come up with the ideas, is to run with them, create the proof of concept, and test the reality if the idea is good or not. Google does it very loudly and publicly. it's why they have the reputation of not completing things. Nexus Q, Google Glass, Etc. These all birthed out of these departments and google decided to run with them as long as possible to see just how beneficial they are.

The flip side to this is Apple's model, where they keep everything as secretive as possible until the finished, final, product. This allows them to have the "WOW" final retail factor. Which leads to point 2. you raised.

Google tends to price their things near cost, in order to gain wide adoption so they can use their primary business, and thats data collection. Nobody disputes this is their business. But sometimes, theyve realized once they start collecting that data that the idea and product they're working out just doesn't really do as much as they hoped. so they nix it.

Apple on the other hand does charge a commanding premium on their devices. They don't get a 40% average profit margin on hardware device sales by not doing so. So yes, you lead to the next point very well. When you pay a high premium price for a device. if it's not a polished, finished, and 99% complete bug free experience, consumers will get upset.

This forum is constantly getting people being accused of being "Apple Haters". But I think thats completely disingenous. I've been here a while now. I've seen some very pro Apple almost bordering on Fanboy start questioning decisions, and quality of the very things they purchase. Is this "apple haters" or maybe a trend that Apple is no longer delivering the premium, highest quality experiences for the premium, high quality price.

 

[spacemnspiff]

Scary, I've heard that statement a lot. Pressed for details, no one seems to come up with a cogent argument. What exactly do people think Google is going to do with the information? How is Google's data collection any more scary than Facebook's, Instagram, MacRumors, or Apple's? Google is pretty darn transparent about their intentions.

I understand people taking a principled stance regarding privacy. What I've seen in this forum though is selective principles. Google datamines = bad. Apple datamines = acceptable. Both companies use that info in the exact same manner: "...so that we can better understand customer behavior and to help us create, develop, operate, deliver, and improve our products, services, content and advertising..."

Thus far I've been speaking in generalities. But to you specifically, what's scary and how do you reconcile the belief that somehow Apple and Google are doing something differently?

It's not the mere data collection, but implicit data collection with no recourse to the user. If the user chooses to buy out the information collected from Google so that Google cannot use it for its business, that's not an option, how could one call that transparent?

It's not just Google holding on to the information, its the ad business model, sharing data with third parties without explicit user consent and option to repossess the information. How is Google going to police the data that was shared to third parties, it simply can't? Now the genie is out of the bottle. This is when it get's a little scary.

What I would like to know in the comparison quoted above, how is Google's ad business model analogous to Apple's? Google's only horse in the race is ad business, does Apple even a horse in the ad business race?

Google is a one trick pony at the moment, ad business pony. It had its hands in many other promising things but the bread and butter is ad business.

 

[AsherN]

This forum is constantly getting people being accused of being "Apple Haters". But I think thats completely disingenous. I've been here a while now. I've seen some very pro Apple almost bordering on Fanboy start questioning decisions, and quality of the very things they purchase. Is this "apple haters" or maybe a trend that Apple is no longer delivering the premium, highest quality experiences for the premium, high quality price.

Threads like this one is not so much about Apple-hating. I read it a lot more about how we want to stick with Apple, but the main competitor not only has features we don't, but is doing competing features so much better. My iPhone 6s cost 2.5X what my Nexus 5 did. It's fells better. Overall, iOS looks and feels more polished. But it still lacks behind in productivity features. I expect more. I want more. And that's not bashing Apple, it's holding them accountable to what they need to do to remain a premium brand.

 

[Jakexb]

Next time anyone questions Tim Cook's charisma, I'm going to refer them to the video of this Google i/o keynote. That was the most painfully awkward thing I've watched in a long time. Compared to these, Tim is basically ready for Broadway. What was that giant harp thing? And the DJ? And the videos barely made sense.

I really thought I was watching an episode of Silicon Valley.

 

[AsherN]

It's not the mere data collection, but implicit data collection with no recourse to the user. If the user chooses to buy out the information collected from Google so that Google cannot use it for its business, that's not an option, how could one call that transparent?

It's not just Google holding on to the information, its the ad business model, sharing data with third parties without explicit user consent and option to repossess the information. How is Google going to police the data that was shared to third parties, it simply can't? Now the genie is out of the bottle. This is when it get's a little scary.

What I would like to know in the comparison quoted above, how is Google's ad business model analogous to Apple's? Google's only horse in the race is ad business, does Apple even a horse in the ad business race?

Google is a one trick pony at the moment, ad business pony. It had its hands in many other promising things but the bread and butter is ad business.

You understand that Google does not share individual data with 3rd party, right? The website queries what you are interested in and Goggle gives an answer. They share aggregate data.

 

[BenTrovato]

Next time anyone questions Tim Cook's charisma, I'm going to refer them to the video of this Google i/o keynote. That was the most painfully awkward thing I've watched in a long time. Compared to these, Tim is basically ready for Broadway. What was that giant harp thing? And the DJ? And the videos barely made sense.

I really thought I was watching an episode of Silicon Valley.

Haha that's what I was thinking. I actually switched it off after the Google Home video partly because it was kind of scary, partly because I couldn't stand to watch that presentation for another minute.