All the announcements from Google I/O 2019 that are actually relevant to Singaporeans

One of the biggest tech keynotes of the year just wrapped up this morning, and although this year’s Google I/O event didn’t come with mind-blowing reveals like last year’s (we’re still recovering from that creepily human-like AI conversation via Google Duplex), there’s still a lot to unpack.

The tech giant announced several updates to its vast range of products and services, with not-that-surprising new hardware announcements, including mid-range versions of Pixel smartphones. Not everything is applicable to consumers in Singapore and Southeast Asia in general, so here are some highlights that are relevant to our side of the world.

Pixel 3a and 3a XL

Judging from how we all knew this was coming, Google just can’t seem (or refuse) to keep a tight lid of secrecy on its Pixel phones. As great as the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are, Google can’t seem to sell ‘em that well either. The disappointing sales can easily be blamed on that fugly notch, but it probably boils down to the point that people just aren’t willing to shell out that much for premium smartphones anymore.

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Enter the new Pixel 3a and 3a XL, Google’s take on the mid-range (and most importantly, affordable) smartphone market. Sure, the devices aren’t as fast, aren’t waterproof, and aren’t able to charge wirelessly — but folks still get to enjoy one of the best cameras ever slapped on a smartphone.

Coming in black or white variations (no sign of the “purple-ish” version right now), the phones are already up on sale on the Google Store, with the smaller 3a going for just $659 and the bigger 3a XL at $779.

Oh, and you get a Google Home Mini for free with each phone purchase. If all that ain’t enough to seduce you, the phones have... headphone jacks. 

Google Assistant, upgraded

Google unveiled the next generation version of Assistant, and promises to make the virtual helper be more useful than helping to set your alarm clock or turn on lights. 

On top of being able to process requests up to 10 times faster than the current version, Google says that the Assistant will run locally on phones (meaning it doesn’t have to send data to the cloud for processing) and can even work offline.

Being able to work faster means that multitasking across apps is possible while operating the Assistant. Pretty impressive stuff, if the tech demo paints an accurate picture.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsX7uEEKCDE[/embed]

Not everyone is using Pixel phones, but Google Assistant is available for download across all Android (and iOS) devices. The degree of its usefulness will vary across different devices — the best experience would be on a Pixel, of course — but making Google Assistant even smarter always makes for smoother interaction without the pains of repeating commands. Google wasn’t able to confirm exactly when the next-gen version of Assistant is coming, but it should be arriving to Pixel phones later this year.

Google Lens

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePwKgKp69GE[/embed]

Speaking of a smarter Assistant, the image recognition technology that goes into Google Lens will be getting some impressive updates, including being able to highlight popular dishes when the phone’s camera is pointed at a restaurant menu. Hell, it could even bring up photos and people’s reviews of the dishes, so that should come in real handy.

Perhaps the most useful capability to us penny-pinching Singaporeans would be a feature that helps to split a bill when the phone’s camera is pointed at a receipt.

Another spiffy feature for frequent travellers is how Lens will be able to translate text and even read it out loud — though it pretty much works the same way as Google Translate’s instant translation. The update to Lens is expected to go live in the United States later this month, but as for when it'll hit Singapore, Google doesn't have an exact date. 

Augmented Reality

Google will also start displaying search results in augmented reality (AR) — meaning you’ll be able to view on-screen 3D models in your real-life environments. Like a pair of sneakers or a great white shark, as per the stage demo. 

But knowing the current state of AR (it’s pretty limited) and how it’ll just be displaying virtual objects, it’ll be fun at first to play around — but you’ll probably get bored since you won’t actually be able to, you know, interact. Perhaps something to keep your kids busy for a while?

Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max

For diehard believers of Google-powered smart homes, not having access to anything outside the limited repertoire of Google Home and Google Home Mini can be a wee bit disheartening.

But now, the Nest Hub (formerly known as the Google Home Hub) will finally make its way to Singapore — just one of the 12 new markets that’ll get the device. The smart display has Google Assistant built in, and displays photos in addition to showing relevant information to your commands, like weather forecasts and upcoming calendar appointments.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tSgce4Wpxg[/embed]

For those annoyed in having to yell out “Hey Google”, it even acts as a smart home control interface. It’s unclear when we can start buying the Nest Hub here, but it should cost about US$129 (S$175). For those who can't wait, well, Lazada vendors have been importing them into the country since last year. 

Still no word if Singapore will ever get the mega speakers Google Home Max or the larger-screen Nest Hub Max, which features video call capabilities and gesture recognition technology.

ilyas@asiaone.com