Google I/O: Google officially launches Brillo Internet of Things platform

Seems there was truth behind the rumour that Google was building its own Internet of Things operating system. Called Brillo, the operating system is based on a stripped down version of Android. It’s designed to run on as minimal specs as possible to make it work for devices as little as light bulbs. It makes use of a protocol for synchronizing data called Weave. It’s a cross-platform common language based on JSON, which will be made available to developers in the third quarter. What it does is Android devices will be able to detect IoT devices and offer to configure these automatically. It’ll work with devices no matter you’re using.

Weave documentation will be announced throughout the year and the developer stack will come out in fourth quarter.

Source: Wired + The Next Web

Google I/O: Android M will feature fingerprint enabled mobile payments platform

Google is hoping to catch app to rival mobile payments solution Apple Pay. Coming with the next version of the Android OS (Android M), the Android Pay system will leverage NFC to enable secure payments in over 700,000 locations in the US. Android Pay will also enable in app purchases as well as web purchases that support the service. 

Just like Apple Pay, Android's mobile payments will necessitate a fingeprint sensor to verify the user's identity. Stay tuned for more information on Android M and Android Pay.

Google I/O: Google Cardboard coming to iOS

Google's low-cost virtual reality solution which uses existing smartphones to create augmented reality and VR experiences with the help of cardboard glasses is making its way to the iPhone. A Cardboard for iOS app is now available from the US Apple App Store. No love yet for Canadian iOS users though.

Google I/O: New Google Photos offers unlimited storage for photos and videos

Google presented its Google Photos service for web, iOS and Android which gives users a single, private place to keep a lifetime of memories, and access them from any device. "They’re automatically backed up and synced, so you can have peace of mind that your photos are safe, available across all your devices," Google explains in its website.

With Google Photos, you can now backup and store unlimited, high-quality photos and videos, for free. We maintain the original resolution up to 16MP for photos, and 1080p high-definition for videos, and store compressed versions of the photos and videos in beautiful, print-quality resolution. Google Photos also auto organizes pictures as  memories by the people, places, and things that matter. Users don’t have to tag or label any of them, and you don’t need to laboriously create albums. 

Click to read more ...