Google’s two-day developer event, Google I/O, kicks off on Wednesday, June 25 at 9 a.m. PST and 12 noon EST. The tech world has been buzzing for weeks about what rumors will and won’t be confirmed while the search engine giant has the mic for the next 48 hours. But what we really want to know is this: How will Google I/O affect Boston’s business and tech ecosystem?
We ventured our guesses below.
Google Glass
Google is rumored to be gearing up for a big Google Glass announcement. We’re all still waiting for a consumer version of the wearable – one that costs less than the Explorer price tag of $1,500 and doesn’t look so nerd-tastic. But until then, there’s the enterprise to consider. Google already tapped five company partners that will focus on forging medical apps and spinning various health-focused applications of the gadget. Boston is huge into biotech and life sciences, so it might be in the best interest of hospitals (all of them) to start dipping their toes into high-tech. For reference, just ask Beth Israel Deaconess; the Cambridge hospital started using the wearable this past winter in its emergency room to track triage and patient condition and care.
Android@Home, Nest and Dropcam
With Apple WWDC earlier this month, we saw the unveiling of HomeKit – a potential threat for three Boston-area companies: Embue, One Mighty Roar and LogMeIn. Come Wednesday and Thursday Google will be revealing its own automated home moves with Android@Home and Nest sessions. Though recently acquired by Google, Nest still operates as an independent entity – and an entity that bought up DropCam last week. It’s too soon to tell, but the San Francisco startup’s video monitoring tech could be used to roll out an Internet of Things-esque security system.
… Which could put some pressure on Cambridge’s SimpliSafe. The company just raised $57 million from Sequoia Capital for its no contract, connected security system. SimpliSafe also offers smart smoke detectors, temperature monitors and glass-break sensors.
Android & Quantum Paper
Similar to the splash made with the introduction of Apple’s new iOS 8 and Yosemite, the new Android platform, along with Quantum Paper, will create major buzz in the development and design community. Android’s update, reportedly dubbed Lollipop, is rumored to have some slick new functionalities, including a voice-activated personal assistant and deeper app platform integration.
Quantum Paper is a new design framework that’s intended to unify all Google platforms across all devices and products – a win for developers envious of Apple’s continuity. Boston’s bevy of development shops might experience some switch-ups if the rumors become reality.
Android Wear & Google Fit
Google is also expected to provide more explanation on Android Wear and Google Fit – the tech behemoths forays into the fitness and health space. Though fitness bands will compatible with the new Android Wear system, smartwatches from Samsung, LG and Motorola might also be revealed at I/O. Google Fit will likely take on Apple’s Healthkit, debuted at the WWDC earlier in June.
At that time, we noted that Healthkit could hurt the chances of Boston-born workout and diet tracking apps like RunKeeper and LoseIt!. But combine Google Fit with Android Wear, and a fresh pair of early-stage, exciting companies in Boston could feel the heat, too. Health-tracking wearable startups like Quanttus and Whoop, both of which recently raised $19 million and $6 million, respectively, might be threatened in the wake of I/O.
Again, rumors are rumors. Happy Google I/O, everyone!
Images via Geek Doctor, SimpliSafe
