Google I/O: Google Glass, Nexus tablets and Google+ set to dominate - V3.co.uk

Analysts have reported that this year's Google I/O conference will not feature the same types of major announcements as last year's show. Google made major news last year when the company unveiled its Nexus 7 tablet and its media-streaming device, the Nexus Q. But this year is expected to feature a bit less fanfare, although many expect more information and user case scenarios for Google Glass. Analysts expect the show to be a software-focused affair that will show off the convergence of Google's pre-existing solutions. Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy, told V3: "This year, I think we will see a lot more software than we will hardware. Google has managed to create a robust hardware ecosystem for phones, tablets and Chromebooks." According to Moorhead, this year's show will focus mainly on incremental developments for software. He told V3 that the only hardware announcements he expects to see are updated versions of Google's Nexus tablet line. Moorhead also hopes to see Google address the dearth of Android apps for 10in tablets. "I'm expecting a new Nexus 7 and maybe a new Nexus 10, but don't think we will see any new wearables or living room hardware," he said. "They also need to spell out how exactly they will inspire the creation of 10in Android apps as there are still less than 1,000. It's easy to stretch phone apps to 7in but you need real tablet apps to take it to 10in and have a good experience." Google is expected to divulge information on the potential convergences of its various solutions at this year's show. Rumours have suggested that Google is introducing a new service that will combine its communications services into one platform. While the rumours have so far been unconfirmed, analysts say that a convergence of some Google platforms would make sense. Gartner research analyst Brian Blau told V3 that bringing together some of Google's like-minded solutions would be a good move. "I think you'll probably see a tightening of the features and services that Google has," said Blau. "If you look at the number of software products that Google has, there are quite a few of them. So it kind of makes sense that Google would want to make them simpler." Blau also expects to see some Google+ news at this year's event. The Gartner analyst believes that some news focused on increased Google+ features for enterprise may arrive in 2013. "They take small steps on the Google+ team so we may hear some news about Google+ for enterprise," added Blau. "Maybe we will see something on companies that want to advertise on the platform. Or for businesses that want to have location-type services." Overall, Blau believes that this year's I/O will be much more in tune with traditional developer conferences. He told V3 that smaller updates and status reports are common for conferences like I/O. Going off statements that Google executive Sundar Pichai made earlier this month, Blau expects most of the show's major announcements to focus on core developer news. "There are a lot of small things, typically for developers that is what happens. Sometimes you'll get a full-blown OS but I don't think I heard that from the Google executive," continued Blau. "Some of the major news will most likely be on core developer issues." Google I/O officially starts on 15 May. Those unable to attend this year can check out a stream of the show's keynotes at the Google I/O website, and check back regularly on V3 Wednesday and Thursday for all the I/O news. via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGxYH7EKXw0JLFgYHfzRhDEiiT2ow&url=http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/analysis/2268072/google-i-o-google-glass-nexus-tablets-and-google-set-to-dominate

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