Google Gives Us Tons to Look Forward To

Last week, Googe I/O, the search giant's annual developer conference took place in San Francisco, where developers and other members of the tech community gathered to listen to keynote speakers and participate in code labs. Don't let all the talk about developers and labs intimidate you though, as Google I/O isn't just for coders. In fact, the 2012 conference proved that more than ever.

This year, Google made it clear that a lot of big things are coming our way. From a tablet and a new Android version, to Google Glass going on sale to developers, the tech heavyweight has certainly given us a lot to look forward to. Check out a rundown of their announcement below:

Jellybean - AKA Android 4.1, Jellybean is the latest addition to the Android family. Google promises that this new version will "feel better" and have a more fluid behavior, like Apple's iOS. Jellybean will also give users more flexibility when it comes to notifications as users will now be able to interact directly with them. In case you haven't noticed, Google has always named each Android version after a desert and does so in alphabetical order. First came Cupcake, then Donut, which was followed by Éclair, Froyo (frozen yougur), Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and finally, JellyBean.

Google Now - Don't you just hate it when you have to ASK your device for something? Well, Google Now aims to give you the exact information you need, when you need it, and without you having to ask for it. Sounds confusing? Let's put it this way, Google Now will "learn" your schedules and habits (i.e. drive to work, preferences, etc) and will give you information based on this data. For example, if you're on your way home, Google Now will automatically check traffic and give you the fastest route possible. Got an appointment? "Google Now checks traffic so you can know how long it'll take to get there. You even get a notification for when you should leave." If you're a jet-setter, Google Now will automatically give you exchange rates, weather, and the right time when you land in another timezone.

Nexus 7 - Introducing Google's very own tablet. An Asus made, 7-inch device running on Android's Jellybean and costing $199, the Nexus 7 is obviously Google's answer to Amazon's Kindle Fire. It sports a 1280 x 800 display, has a scratch-resistant Corning glass and a 1.2 mexapixel front-facing camera. Software-wise, Nexus 7 comes with all basic Google Apps, including Gmail, Chrome, Google+, and YouTube. You'll of course, be able to download apps, videos, music, and books via Google Play.

Google Glass Update - These glasses, which bring augmented reality to life, were demonstrated in Google I/O-using skydivers and stunt men no less. For the uninitiated, Google Glass is a pair of glasses that allows users to do a number tasks that they would normally do on a smartphone or computer, including scheduling appointments, taking photos, recording videos, and social sharing. Google announced that the developers will be allowed to actually buy the glasses in 2013, for $1500. Regular consumers, on the other might be able to get themselves a pair by the year 2014.

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