Google I/O 2014- Android L and much more..

The first day of Google I/O 2014 has come and gone, and just as we were expecting, Google used the opening keynote to shed some light on the future of Android, Chrome, Android Wear, Android Auto, Android TV, Google Cloud Platform, and Google Play. So, lets run down the important points of the show. Read on..

Android One

Well, this is one of the most significant announcements, atleast for us Indians it is. Google is planning to join hands with Indian manufacturers such as Micromax, Karbonn and Spice. By doing so, Google plans to further expand the Android ecosystem. These companies are known for their extremely cheap devices. But Google plans to take a step ahead, by providing their own reference designs so that the emerging markets would also have a taste of that nexus experience.

Software on Android One devices will be stock Android. OEMs and integrators may choose to add Google Play auto install apps, but these may be uninstalled by the user. There are already three main device OEMs on the bandwagon: Spice, Karbonn, and Micromax, with the last one aiming at a sub- 5800 INR price point.

Android L

Its here, yes, Google did announce the 12th iteration of the world's most popular operating system. And unlike the last 2 updates, this one is significant. The new Android L has a completely redesigned design language. Everything seems more natural, smooth, unobtrusive and simple.

With the new additions like material design and following a unified design pattern throughout all platforms, it is a major overhaul to the already elegant Operating System. Android L also includes many under-the-hood improvements like ART runtime, 64-bit architecture and DirectX 11 support, performance and battery enhancements, and much more. And with the new APIs, there are endless possibilities.

Android Wear

Wearables are THE hot topic for 2014, and I/O went on to further demonstrate this. One of the main goals of Android Wear is to reduce the number of times you are forced to check your smartphone every day, which averages 125 checks per day across users. Wear will accomplish this by letting you stay engaged in your current activity and understanding the context of what you care about.

The Wear UI was demonstrated in great detail. Swiping up and down takes you through the stream of cards, all of which feature Material Design UI stylings, just like Android L. There is also full phone integration, where you can swipe to reject calls or swipe up to reply via a predefined SMS. There’s also a do not disturb mode, which can be activated with a single downward swipe, and heart rate monitor support on certain devices. And of course, Wear supports voice commands with new ones on the way such as “OK Google, call me a car” integration with Lyft.

Android Auto

It is estimated that a quarter of all automobile accidents are caused by mobile device usage. Android Auto hopes to change all this with a redesigned Android UI tailored specifically to the tasks that users are likely to do in the car. This includes bringing navigation, communication, and music front and center. Android Auto is also contextual and voice enabled, allowing you to use many of the same voice commands that you’re familiar with on your smartphone or tablet.

Android Auto offers a full suite of APIs for audio (e.g. music, streaming radio, podcasts, etc) and messaging (e.g. incoming messages, voice responses) apps. Android Auto has support from the Open Automotive Alliance, with over 40 partners and over 25 car manufacturers bringing Auto-enabled cars soon. The first cars with Android Auto will be arriving by the year’s end.

Other announcements include Android TV and an update to chromecast, a bit about chromebooks and how they are trying to establish a unified android ecosystem. While there is a lot of excitement among developers as well as the consumers when it comes to topics like the new Android L or Android One, there are some unanswered questions like what happened to Google Glass? But what I am excited about is Android One and how far will it go. But that, we will see.

So, what do you guys think? What, according to you, is the most significant think of the whole I/O. And what are you exited about the most, Android L or Wear. Let me know in the comments below.