TECH

9 THiNGS To LOOK FORWARD To From GOOGLE in 2015

Google logo article header rainbow colours 2015 graphic banner colourful stripes streaks cover image pic9 THiNGS To LOOK FORWARD To From GOOGLE in 2015

2014 was a big year for Google, with the Android Wear Smartwatch, Nexus 6 & Nexus 9, and Android 5.0 Lollipop. But 2015 looks bigger and better with some entirely new platforms expected from Google.

The Techradar team look at products that Google will launch or improve this year, many involving Android (see the video)…

1. ANDROiD M : Android 5.1 or Android 6.0? : This major new version of Android is expected to be shown off at the Google I/O developer conference in June 2015.

2. CARDBOARD 2.0 : Cardboard vs Oculus Rift : A cardboard VR headset which you slot a Nexus 5 to get the Oculus Rift-style experience at a very affordable price.

3. ANDROiD AUTO : Android to go in cars : Android Auto will first feature in the 2015 edition of the Hyundai Sonata, and then many more models.

4. GLASS GOES MAiNSTREAM : Google Glass to get less nerdy : The next Google Glass version is likely to use a smaller display unit, and a smaller ‘brain’ and battery.

5. ANDROiD TV : Android in TVs, but properly this time : The Android TV Google platform software is here, and uses Android 5.0 Lollipop at its core, as used in the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9.

6. 64-BiT ANDROiD : Proving 64-bit in mobile actually matters : Android 5.0 L is the first version of Google’s mobile OS to offer native support for 64-bit processors. Expect most new phones to have a 64-bit processor by half-way through 2015.

7. ANDROiD WEAR : Android Wear’s response to the Apple Watch : Tighter integration between watch and phone, increased app support and greater customisation can be expected. Android Wear recently got its own section on Google Play.

8. ANDROiD SiLVER : Android Silver might become a reality : Android Silver is the long awaited series of high-end Android phones that use vanilla Android rather than a custom interface.

9. GOOGLE FOR KiDS : Chrome and YouTube to go child friendly : Google is working on kid-friendly versions of Chrome and YouTube designed for children 12 years and under.