ISSUE 50 • ANDROID ADVISOR 7GOOGLE I/O 2018Google Duplex
Speaking of phones, Google Assistant will even be able
to call local businesses to schedule reservations for
you, conducting complex conversations in real time
using Google’s AI smarts and new voices. The machine
sounded eerily human in an on-stage demonstration,
complete with ummms and ahhhs in the middle of
sentences. The recipients seemingly had no idea they
were conversing with a robot.
Google didn’t reveal Android P’s final name at
I/O, but it did launch the next-gen Android OS in
developer preview beta form. A previous developer
preview launched in March, but the beta version
adds Android P features revealed at I/O 2018 – see
page 12 for our hands-on.
Android P is shaping up to be a substantial update
for Google’s smartphone operating system, with
new AI-powered features, a major navigation change,
and a suite of tools aimed at curing smartphone
addiction. Catch up on the newly announced
features in our Android P beta coverage.
Google Maps
Continuing the theme of the day, Google Maps
is getting an overhaul that uses machine learning
to infuse your experience with personalized
recommendations. A redesigned Explore tab and new
For You tab will highlight local events and restaurants,
drawing not only from physical locations but also
from what you’ve liked in the past, and trending
activities in the area. This summer, Google Assistant
will come to Maps as well. For details see page 25.