Google I/O is completely canceled

Google isn't pushing through with its annual Google I/O conference, not even the digital event. With shelter in place requirements imposed on California, the company decided to cancel the event. Google said in a tweet, "Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities—and in line with "shelter in place" requirements by the local Bay Area government—we sadly will not be holding an I/O event in any capacity this year."

The wording used in the series of tweets seems to confirm that there won't be a 2020 Google I/O event, so any announcements to be made will either be done later or through developer blogs and community forums. Those who won in the drawing of tickets this year will be automatically be invited for I/O 2021.

Source: Android Police

Smart Reply is coming to all messaging apps with Android Q

If you use Google’s Messages app or Gmail, then you’re familiar with Smart Reply. Thanks to machine learning, the feature anticipates what you’re going to type before you type it out. With the upcoming Android Q release, Smart Reply will be heading to other third-party messaging apps. Aside from using it to reply to messages, it’ll also anticipate your actions. So, if a friend sends you an address, it’ll assume you want to open Google Maps and suggest that to you. If you’re worried about sending your activity to Google, the machine learning happens on-device, so you don’t have to worry about it hitting Google’s servers. The company has really been rallying around promoting the privacy and security of its users with this next Android release.

Source: Android Authority

Get real-time subtitles on any audio or video on your phone with Android Q's Live Caption feature

One of the most useful features coming to Android Q makes it easier for the hard of hearing or deaf users to understand what’s happening in video and audio clips they’re watching or listening to. Live Caption will let you see any audio or video clip transcribed in real time, which The Verge’s Chris Welch is said to be done “with extremely accurate results.” The Live Caption is overlaid on top of whatever media app you’re using. It even works for video chat apps like Skype and Google Duo as well as with video or audio you record yourself. It makes use of on-device machine learning so it doesn’t have to send your data to the cloud to interpret what’s happening. It also works even when volume is turned down or muted. However, it won’t save the translations for later use.

The captions, which appear in a black box that you can move around, disappear when the content is over. It is turned off by default, but you can enable the feature in your phone’s accessibility settings. These can then be enabled through a software icon that appears in the volume UI pop-up. The feature will prove to be useful even to those without hearing problems. Imagine being on a crowded train and just wanting to watch a clip without having to turn up the volume to hear what’s happening or use it as a guide for transcribing.

Pre-orders are now up for the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL

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Google is making some changes in its smartphone hardware business. Unlike the past few devices it launched where the focus was on the premium market, Google is bringing back its mid-range line with the launch of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.

Unlike its past devices, too, these are available for pre-order now through the Google Store in 12 other countries outside of the US—Canada included. So, if you want to get Google’s newest smartphones, you can do so now. The Pixel 3a is priced at $549 CAD, while the Pixel 3a XL goes for $649. In the coming weeks, these will be available for pre-order through carriers like Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Virgin Mobile, and Koodo. They will also be available through Best Buy, Costco, T-Booth Wireless, Wireless Wave, Walmart, and WoW Mobile.

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