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When the Google I/O conference first started, the company had an exceedingly difficult time getting developers to join the event. It appeared that they wanted to see how it would go before they would commit. But in 2011, the events tickets sold out in no time. And this year, they hit a new sell-out record, exhausting the supply of tickets in just 20 minutes. The excitement surrounding the I/O conference has hit a tipping point.
Google will hold this years event June 27-29. The company hasnt said what it will discuss, but the event is usually a good way to learn about the future of Googles many services, including Android, Chrome and even Google TV. In other words, its a major event that just about anyone who cares about the Google developer world will want to learn more about.
Realizing that this has become a must-see event, its time to look at some of the possible developments and announcements to expect at Google I/O 2012.
1. Android stats galore
Google is very much like Apple in that it likes to talk about mobile statistics as often as possible. So, at Google I/O, expect the search giant to take the stage and discuss everything from daily Android activations to devices sold worldwide. Providing Android stats is a key component in making Apple look bad.
2. A new Android version
In the past, Google has used Google I/O to discuss the latest and greatest Android flavors. At this years event, expect the same. After all, Google I/O is the place where the search giant has all the attention of media outlets and developers. Why wouldnt it discuss the future of Android?
3. A new Chrome OS
Remember Chrome OS? Its the operating system that was supposed to take on Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X. Well, its still available and still running on Chromebooks, but its been largely ignored. At Google I/O, expect the search company to bring it back to the forefront and discuss how it might be used in the coming years.
4. Android Market developer discussions
One of the central elements of Androids success has been its ability to attract developers. And the fact that Google I/O sold out in just 20 minutes shows how excited developers are to create apps for the companys operating systems. So, expect lots of discussions on apps and the Android Market as a whole.
Expect Security, Google TV News
5. Security will take center stage
Security is undoubtedly the biggest issue facing Android right now. And Google knows it. So, at Google I/O, expect the search giant to discuss security and the ways in which it plans to safeguard its many operating systems. To neglect security would be a huge mistake on Googles part.
6. The future of Google TV
At Google I/O 2011, Google TV made a comeback, as the search company discussed how it would attempt to appeal to customers in the living room. Since then, however, Google TV has been all but ignored, making some wonder if it should be discontinued. With rumors of Apple launching a television this year, however, discontinuing Google TV seems unlikely, making it increasingly likely the platform will be on display at Google I/O.
7. Expect search to play a role
It wouldnt be a Google-related event if the search company didnt discuss, well, search. From Android to Chrome OS to Google TV, search plays a crucial role in all the services that might take center stage at Google I/O. Google would be remiss not to discuss it.
8. Google+, anyone?
Online services outside of search have become quite important to Google as of late. And more recently, Google+ has arguably become its most important online consideration next to search. Realizing that, expect Google to discuss its social network and talk up app development for it. As Facebook has proved, social apps can mean big businessand Google wants a part of that business.
9. A Google-branded smartphone and tablet
Although much of the discussion surrounding Google I/O will relate to development, theres also a good chance that the search giant will show off a smartphone and tablet under its personally branded Nexus line. The Nexus strategy worked brilliantly in the smartphone space, but Google hasnt followed the same path in tablets. The time has come for it to do just that. And Google I/O might be the place to do it.
10. An all-out assault on Microsoft
Lastly, expect Google to take aim at Microsoft at the Google I/O conference. Since its inception, Google has hated everything about Microsoft. Now, the search giant is starting to chip away at Microsofts defenses, including Windows. Expect a rather significant chunk of Google I/O to continue that work.