Google I/O: Now on Tap boosts contextual search capabilities

Screenshot: Cult of Android

Google Now just got smarter with the new Now on Tap feature. It basically lets you fire off quick queries while within other apps. For example, you’re listening to a certain musician in a music app and want to know what his/her real name is. Now on Tap will be able to answer that for you. Google’s Aparna Chennapragada said this feature can even turn text message conversations she has with her husband into actionable information. For example, being able to set a reminder to pick up dry cleaning or get a restaurant recommendation when she was talking to her husband about a dinner date.

Other sample features include Now on Tap being able to help you decipher unpronounceable items on a menu, even showing you a photo while it’s at it. This feature will be available when Android M launches later this year.

Source: Cult of Android

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.