Google I/O 2018 Ends

Google is a global technology leader. It has led to innovations in such fields as search engineering, machine learning, internet security, virtual reality, robotics, biotechnology, green energy, satellite, drone, autonomous vehicle, and etc. So, it is significant to understand Google’s trace to shape the near future. Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O 2018, was held from May 8 to May 10. What did Google present? The key points are the new Version of Android, Artificial Intelligence, and self-driving cars with machine learning.

Google developed a mobile operating system named Android in 2008 after the iPhone, an innovative mobile device, was first released in 2007. And now 81.7% of smartphones are using Android as their operating system while 17.9% are using Apple’s iOS. Google announced Android P, a new version of this strong platform, at the Google I/O. According to Google’s announcement, Android P is smart, convenient, and safe. Using Google’s machine learning technology, devices with Android P automatically saves battery by limiting background activity for applications that people don’t use often. Also, it learns optimum screen brightness by recognizing users preferences and provides new interface for system navigation. Google recognized problem and applied improvements to the new version of operating system. Engineers from Google strengthened security of Android P. as background applications will no longer be able to monitor user’s network activity or to use camera or microphone without allowance.

Another keynote from Google I/O 2018 is Machine Learning. Google showed Google Assistant, Artificial Intelligence developed by Google, calling a hair salon, a restaurant, and making an appointment in a conversation that sounded like two real humans talking to each other.

“The Assistant understands the context, the nuance.” Sundar Pichai, Google CEO, explained at the conference.  Machine learning is not only used for A.I. but also for self-driving car. Google used machine learning to its self-driving system and, now, it can distinguish clearly between objects a car should avoid and snow or rain that can be ignored.

 

We are experiencing the rapid development of technology. A decade ago people couldn’t expect it is possible to carry a personal computer everywhere and even a few years ago people couldn’t expect it is possible to make Artificial Intelligence and to develop a car driving itself. What we have only seen in sci-fi movies is about to come true.

 

Younggeon Brian Park, Grade 12

South Pasadena High School