Underwhelmed by Google I/O Keynote

[bearda]

I had the live blog up on my tablet, and at the end it felt like a waste of time. Anybody else feeling underwhelmed?

No new hardware. No Android update (was really hoping for AVRCP and BT LE support) Hangouts seems a little weak without SMS capabilities. Some nice shiny things in the pipeline, but nothing overwhelmingly awesome. I was hoping for Google Christmas and it feels more like Google Memorial Day.

 

[Aquila]

I had the live blog up on my tablet, and at the end it felt like a waste of time. Anybody else feeling underwhelmed?

No new hardware. No Android update (was really hoping for AVRCP and BT LE support) Hangouts seems a little weak without SMS capabilities. Some nice shiny things in the pipeline, but nothing overwhelmingly awesome. I was hoping for Google Christmas and it feels more like Google Memorial Day.

That's just the keynote, it's not over until Friday afternoon. BLE is probably a given, if not today then within a couple of weeks, I know we're already seeing code for it. Hangouts top 2 next features are SMS and streaming Hangouts to YouTube live like from the G+ version. I was surprised not to see 4.3, but I hope that just means it's not ready and they're going to wait and finish polish rather than rushing it out the door.

 

[xlDeMoNiClx]

Google I/O has been awesome so far. And it's only the first day.

 

[Jaycemiskel]

Google I/O has been awesome so far. And it's only the first day.

Awesome for developers? Yeah. Consumers? Not so much. Guess people will have to get used to this being more about developers than it has been in the past.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

 

[xlDeMoNiClx]

Awesome for developers? Yeah. Consumers? Not so much. Guess people will have to get used to this being more about developers than it has been in the past.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

I disagree, they announced plenty of stuff for consumers. For some of us, that alone made the wait for today worth it.

 

[winenerd]

It seems their goal is too strengthen core services and give devs tools instead of roll out new stuff. Improvements to Search, Maps, Play(Music and Games), +, and Messaging. I really don't understand what features people want out of 4.3 or 5.0 for that matter. Give me improvements to Google services and more tools for devs to create great stuff and I'm happy. It may seem underwhelming given no immediate impact, but it will come.

Also, did everyone miss the fact that there is essentially a new Nexus device with all the features people want in the Nexus 5? It may not have the price the N4 has, but I guess some people want everything.

 

[anon5664829]

You do realise google IO is for devs, right? They may announce some hardware and services but that's not a given.

 

[Jaycemiskel]

I disagree, they announced plenty of stuff for consumers. For some of us, that alone made the wait for today worth it.

Average consumers don't wait for IO so you're not the average consumer though. I guess I should have specified the average consumer. Barely anybody uses Google+ so most of that stuff is a wash. Hangouts lost functionality from talk and has no sms integration. The play music app is cool and I do like subscription music but most people will probably continue to use Spotify. The Game thing will probably be used by a lot eventually, but a lot of this stuff isn't as tangible as something like a Nexus 7. I agree that the stuff today was cool because I like tech stuff, but for the average consumer, there's nothing really big here.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

 

[Aquila]

Blasphemy. IO was the highlight of my day.

 

[anon5664829]

Blasphemy. IO was the highlight of my day.

Yeah. I loved this announcement.

- - - Updated - - -

Blasphemy. IO was the highlight of my day.

Yeah. I loved this announcement.

 

[Chex313]

Yeah I am with the OP. Compared to last year this was a snooze. I don't use most services, I'm not paying for music. I already find Google obtrusive to my privacy. So I don't use Google plus or wallet.

Just watched for new hardware. I still would like to see some kind of working airplay for Android device maybe a cross between the Q and Google TV. Here's hoping the next couple days give non devs some morsels.

Looking forward to the AC review of the Google S4. Maybe they'll give one out at the end, so the boys can get right on it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

 

[Ry]

I had a few issues with the keynote - mainly with Page's comments about Microsoft.

Google cutting Exchange support for Gmail didn't feel like a Google move.

Google not wanting to play ball with Microsoft regarding a native YouTube application for Windows Phone doesn't feel like a Google move.

These two actions make it seem like Google is afraid of Windows Phone growth.

"We struggle with people like Microsoft." - Larry Page

Mr. Page, it goes both ways. (and it makes me sad)

 

[BAlGaInTl]

I had a few issues with the keynote - mainly with Page's comments about Microsoft.

Google cutting Exchange support for Gmail didn't feel like a Google move.

Google not wanting to play ball with Microsoft regarding a native YouTube application for Windows Phone doesn't feel like a Google move.

These two actions make it seem like Google is afraid of Windows Phone growth.

"We struggle with people like Microsoft." - Larry Page

Mr. Page, it goes both ways. (and it makes me sad)

I thought I read that the reason that MS was asked to remove their YouTube app was that it removed ads and gave users the ability to download video. I didn't think it was because Google doesn't want a Windows phone app.

 

[Ry]

I thought I read that the reason that MS was asked to remove their YouTube app was that it removed ads and gave users the ability to download video. I didn't think it was because Google doesn't want a Windows phone app.

I'll give them the download piece.

But I believe Microsoft doesn't have access to the APIs to correctly show ads in a native YouTube app.

 

[msndrstood]

The GES4 was exciting when I first saw him hold the phone up. But then reality hit at $649.00 and NO cdma.

I can't justify $600 for a phone. I'm bummed.

What?! ...I'm msndrstood.
via Gnex

 

[anon5664829]

Yeah I am with the OP. Compared to last year this was a snooze. I don't use most services, I'm not paying for music. I already find Google obtrusive to my privacy. So I don't use Google plus or wallet.

Just watched for new hardware. I still would like to see some kind of working airplay for Android device maybe a cross between the Q and Google TV. Here's hoping the next couple days give non devs some morsels.

Looking forward to the AC review of the Google S4. Maybe they'll give one out at the end, so the boys can get right on it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Android Central Forums

It's a conference for developers not consumers.

- - - Updated - - -

I'll give them the download piece.

But I believe Microsoft doesn't have access to the APIs to correctly show ads in a native YouTube app.

It is very sad.

 

[jreacher]

The biggest thing I'm taking away from this I/O is that they're moving the API's from the OS to Google Play Services. In basic terms, this is AWESOME because it means more android updates will go through that rather than redoing the OS itself, which then means more phones running the same cool stuff, regardless of, and without delays by carriers or OEM's. That's not to say I wasn't hoping for some hardware though. I need a new tablet. (ok I "want" a new tablet. Same thing when you're an addict )

 

[Aquila]

I'm on the other side, I think this was the best IO yet. I kinda agree with the people that said they should have held it at the end of June like every other year, because I think that the new services could have been a little more ready for mainstream; but if we want developers to tap into the new concepts, then the sooner the better.