Google I/O dates set, get ready for Android N
N-y one for a new version of Android?
The 2016 tech calendar is filling up fast, with Google confirming the dates for the I/O dev conference.
CEO Sundar Pichai revealed all in a tweet earlier today, with May the 18th-20th set for Google’s annual update on all things Android.
I/O’16 coming to neighborhood where it all started 10 yrs ago: Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, May 18-20. More details soon. #io16
— sundarpichai (@sundarpichai) January 12, 2016
It’s all change for 2016, with Google going back to its roots, rather than taking over San Fransisco like normal. Instead, hordes of Android devs will descend on the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. That’s where the first I/O took place a decade ago.
I/O is normally where we get the first look at the latest version of Android, but don’t expect Google to give Android N an official name just yet – that normally comes a little closer to launch.
A Developer preview is more likely, but will only be for brave Nexus smartphone owners that are ready to flash their phones. Speaking of Nexus, there’s always a slim chance we’ll get a new phone or tablet at I/O.
Sure, I/O is technically only for developers, but that hasn’t stopped Google launching new products, apps and versions of Android there in the past. It’s where we got a first look at Android Auto and Android TV.
I/O is a seriously hot ticket, with Google previously holding a lottery to work out who gets to attend. There’s no word on whether that’ll be the same for 2016, but it’s practically guaranteed that the whole thing will be streamed online if you can’t make it to Mountain View.
Either way, we’ll be keeping watch on the 18th of May in case Android N finally breaks cover.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
