The name of the conference, I/O, was taken from the number googol (10100, or 1 followed by 100 zeros), which had also inspired the name Google; the letter I represents the number’s first digit “1”, and the letter O represents its second digit “0”. The name I/O can also be interpreted to mean input/output, the two symbols of the binary code (1 and 0), or “Innovation in the Open”.
The inaugural Google I/O conference was held on May 28 and 29, 2008 in San Francisco. Its program included the launch of Android and introduction of various APIs for YouTube and Google Maps. Announcements of new Google products, services, technologies, and features have been a mainstay of the conference ever since. Products that have been announced, introduced or launched at Google I/O include several versions of Android, Google Wave, Google TV, Google Hangouts, Android Auto, Android TV, Google Photos, Google Lens, Google Assistant, Google Home, and many more.
From 2008 to 2015, Google I/O was held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Starting in 2016, the event was moved to Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California due to its bigger capacity and proximity to the Google headquarters. In 2021, the conference was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 2024, Google I/O is held in the hybrid format: it is broadcast in front of a limited live audience and open to everyone online, reaching a global audience. Keynotes and sessions are available online without registration, but registration for the event means addition perks, like receiving email updates about the digital event, saving relevant content to view later in your developer profile, and getting content recommendations based on your developer profile.
The programming of Google I/O includes keynotes, technical sessions, and workshops for software developers. Keynotes and technical sessions are a great way to learn about the latest product launches and updates, whereas workshops and codelabs give developers the opportunity to try new products and solutions offered by Google.
To make it easier for participants to navigate the program, all events and activities on the conference’s website can be filtered by focus (AI, Cloud, Mobile, Web), topic (Firebase, Flutter, Go, Google Play, Location/Maps, Smart Home, Wear OS, Web), content type (keynote, technical session, workshop), and skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
Google I/O also has a community-led component named I/O Extended; it is a series of events hosted by Google Developer Groups around the globe. Local groups help developers connect with other developers in their area to exchange ideas and tips. At the same time, these groups are part of a global network of developers from a diverse set of backgrounds and industries.
Photo: Digital Trends
