Google I/O: New Pixel phones, privacy control tools to Android Q features - Everything that was announced

1. Pixel smartphones at $399

Google has unveiled cheaper Pixel phones -- Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL at a starting price of $399 and $479, respectively at ts annual I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California. These smartphones are available in just black, clearly white, and purple colours. In India, Pixel 3a (5.6-inch) will cost Rs 39,999 and Pixel 3a XL (6-inch) will be available at Rs 44,999. From May 8, the users will be able to register for theses smartphones on Flipkart. (Google twitter handle)

2. Google new privacy controls:

Google has announced new privacy controls for its services. These tools include “Incognito mode” for Google Maps, and published new privacy commitments for its hardware.  The announcements were made at its annual Google I/O developers` conference. 

"To ensure privacy controls are always at your fingertips, we’re making your Google Account easily accessible with one tap from all major Google products. #io19," Google tweeted Tuesday. (Google twitter handle)

3. Google Assistant voice-enabled driving mode

Technology giant Google has rolled out a voice-enabled driving mode on Assistant. This will help people in doing various activities. Now, Google Assistant will also provide more personalised suggestions for navigation, messages, calling and media.

"With faster responses using new on-device processing, a better understanding of you and your world, and more help in the car, the Google Assistant is continuing to get better at helping you get things done #io19," Google tweeted.

The Assistant is now on over one billion devices, available in over 30 languages across 80 countries, and works with over 30,000 unique connected devices for the home from more than 3,500 brands globally, it said. "We’ve been working to make your Assistant the fastest, most natural way to get things done, and today at Google I/O we’re sharing our vision for the future." (Google twitter handle)

4. What's new in Android Q:

This year, Android is reaching version 10 and operating on over 2.5 billion active devices. A lot has changed since version 1.0, when smartphones were just an early idea. Now, they’re an integral tool —helping people stay in touch, find a restaurant in a new place or many more things.

"As people spend more time on their devices, building tools to help them find balance with technology continues to be their priority. That’s why we’re focusing on three key areas for our next release - Android Q: innovation, security and privacy and digital wellbeing," a Google  post reads. (Google twitter handle)

5. Google plans new browser tools on privacy

Technology giant Google has planned to introduce new internet browser tools which will give advertising companies and users greater insight into why certain ads are shown to them.

"Advertising has made possible open access to quality information and communication on the web—it’s changed the way people learn, play and earn, and it’s made the internet open for everyone," a Google blog post reads.

"But the ad-supported internet is at risk if digital advertising practices don’t evolve to reflect people’s changing expectations around how data is collected and used. Our experience shows that people prefer ads that are personalized to their needs and interests—but only if those ads offer transparency, choice and control," said the post.  (Google twitter handle)