Google has cancelled its annual I/O developer conference. That means the event will not go ahead in any capacity – with an online-only event now out of the question too.
Android 11: You may need to wait longer to see its best new features https://t.co/9hIFDDfNfi pic.twitter.com/ROCIVcIHFk
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In a statement on its events site, Google said the decision was taken due to health concerns for developers, employees, and local communities as the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the US and various other territories across the globe.
The cancellation means you might have wait even longer to see Android 11 unveiled in full. Two Developer Previews of the new operating system have already been released but Google typically waits until I/O to reveal the best new features its software team has been cooking up.
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The cancellation of I/O means fans might have to wait a little longer to hear about everything Android 11 has in store. If you’re intrigued about what has already been unveiled, you can read about its best new features we know about already right here.
Along with new software, Google was also heavily rumoured to be gearing up for some hardware announcements at I/O 2020. Most notably, the widely leaked Pixel 4a was tipped make its official debut.
As a quick reminder, the Pixel “a” series was introduced at I/O last year with the announcement of the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Just like its predecessors, the Pixel 4a is rumoured to boast many features from the standard Pixel 4 but make a few notable compromises to lower its price tag.
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The state of California, where Google is headquartered, is not only the most populous state in the US, but it has reported over 900 coronavirus cases so far. To help curb the spread of the disease, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently issued a stay at home order to residents.
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Google also confirmed its decision to cancel I/O altogether was taken in-line with the order from Newson.
The Mountain View firm said: “Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities – and in line with recent ‘shelter in place’ orders by the local Bay Area counties – we sadly will not be holding I/O in any capacity this year.
“Right now, the most important thing all of us can do is focus our attention on helping people with the new challenges we all face. Please know that we remain committed to finding other ways to share platform updates with you through our developer blogs and community forums.
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“Take care of yourselves. We’ll continue to do everything we can to help our communities stay safe, informed, and connected.”
It’s unclear if Google is planning to hold a different exhibition to show all the new hardware and software it has been working on. Of course, Express.co.uk will keep you in the loop with all the latest announcements from the tech giant.