Google I/O 2016 Highlights: Latest Updates and Announcements

Day 1 of Google I/O, the search giant's annual developer conference, has concluded. The first day included the 2-hour keynote address, and saw several announcements from Google.

Here are the highlights of the Google I/O 2016 announcements thus far, which range from the new version of Android N to fresh features for Android TV, Google Home virtual assistant to the the Daydream VR ecosystem.

Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for the latest updates from Google I/O 2016.

Google Home, Google Assistant
The search giant at Google I/O 2016 unveiled its Amazon Echo-competitor - Google Home. The voice-activated speaker is powered by Google Assistant, Google ecosystem-wide expansion of its Google Now voice-based virtual assistant.

Allo and Duo
The company at Google I/O 2016 also unveiled two new apps for Android and iOS, which should be released in the coming months. Allo is an instant messaging app that offers the Smart Reply feature, and Google Assistant-powered suggestions and cards. Duo is an end-to-end encrypted video calling app.

Android N improvements
At Google I/O 2016, the search giant released the latest developer preview of Android N - Developer Preview 3 - and also detailed its new features. The Mountain View firm also revealed some upcoming features.

Android N name
The latest version of Android still doesn't have a name, and Google wants your help naming it. The company has created a site where users can give suggestions - any word that starts with 'N' will do.

Daydream VR ecosystem
The new Daydream VR platform unveiled at Google I/O is a much more ambitious version of Google Cardboard, providing a reference headset and controller for OEMs, while also providing a software framework.

Chrome OS
Google had some major announcements for Chrome OS at I/O 2016, including Android app support on the platform. Chrome OS will also get access to the Google Play app and content store.

Android Instant Apps
Google I/O 2016 also saw the announcement of Android Instant Apps, apps that can be used on Android devices without installation. The apps will be accessible from deep links in search, social media, messaging, and other locations.

Android TV, Android Auto, and more
At I/O 2016, Google also had announcements for new features in Android TV, fresh functionality in Android Auto, expansion plans of Android Pay, as well as several statistics about Android users.

Day 1 developer facing announcements
Google on Day 1 of I/O 2016 had several developer facing announcements to make, from making Firebase free to use, to the Android Studio 2.2 Preview.

Day 2 developer facing announcements
Google on Day 2 at I/O 2016 introduced even more developer facing announcements, from the Awareness API, to new APIs for Slides, Sheets, and Classroom.