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Google io 18 – Here’s All You Need To Know

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Google io 18,Startup Stories,Startup News India,2018 Technology News,Google I/O 2018,Google I/O 2018 Keynote,Google CEO Sundar Pichai,Microsoft Build 2018,Google I/O Developers Conference,Google io 2018 Highlights,Google Developers Conference

This year saw the clash of two major tech companies led by Indians for grabbing the spotlight with their unique features, latest additions and in some cases, a completely rebranded focus. Microsoft Build 2018, which kicked off on 7the May, was still going on when Google launched its own annual Google I/O developers conference.

Technology giant Google just wrapped up the first day session of its annual developers conference, Google io 2018. The keynote address, although short, had some major announcements including the upgrades to its Assistant, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sundar Pichai started the conference by laying out the overall direction the company would be taking post the conference. Pichai spoke about the biggest controversies the company faced last year, namely the placement of cheese in the burger emoji and the floating foam in the beer emoji. Over 7000 people present there and millions watching online finally realised why Google is so serious about its emoticons.

Since their io last year, the company made a lot of progress in terms of AI and Machine Learning (ML.) This year’s platform concentrated on software over hardware as well as in showcasing the integration of AI and ML in the day to day life. Here are the highlights from the Google io 2018 developers conference.

Core Mission – According to Pichai, the core mission of the company this year will be to make information more useful accessible and beneficial. This includes taking into consideration the expectations of technology in the different parts of the world and the opportunities available.

Google AI – The company is empowering industries around the world by integrating AI into various technologies. These machine learning systems offer deeper analysis and newer insights as compared to regular technologies.

GBoard With Morse Code – In an attempt to make language and speaking easier and more accessible to people all around the world, Google introduced a new feature to its GBoard. The GBoard with Morse Code feature allows people with disability to use the application freely, thereby communicating easily.

Gmail – After completely redesigning the Google email system, Gmail, the tech giant added a new feature called Autocompose to the email system. Using ML, users will now get predictive phrases while typing an email and autocomplete sentences. From addresses to content, the ML system analyses the previous text to predict the next sentence.

Google Photos – Over 5 billion photos are viewed every day by users. Making the app more user friendly, Google added a new feature called App Actions to the photos app which suggests smart actions. The AI system can perform actions like sharing the images with people in the photos and editing images to make them look better with just one click. Adding to that, Google photos can also convert documents to PDF format.

Tensor Processing Units – Special purpose machine learning chips, the Tensor Processing Units, drive the AL and ML systems and product improvements in the company. These chips are now also available to Google’s Cloud partners as well. The company launched the next version of these units, TPU 3.0 during the conference which uses liquid cooling systems as they are 8x times more powerful.

Google Assistant – Trying to make the Google Assistant sound more human, the tech giant stitched together the voice of a real person code named Holly. In order to get the accents and language right for users all over the world, Google also brought in American singer John Legend. His voice as the Assistant will be released later this year. The Assistant is currently available in over 500 million devices. The Assistant will also be able to support 30 languages in 80 countries by the end of this year. Apart from that, users will not have to use the command ‘Hey Google’ or ‘OK Google’ every time they interact with the Assistant. Users can use the command, in the beginning, ask multiple questions within the same request.

Google Research – The tech firm is rebranding its Google Research division to Google AI with an increased focus on computer vision, natural language processing, and neural networks.

Android P – Although the Android P preview was released in March, Google finally revealed the official update of Android P along with some new features. AI is a huge part of the operating system such as AI driven auto brightness, Adaptive Brightness. The new operating system also incorporates new system navigation for multitasking and one handed use, using gestures and vertical controls.
Google News – In a revamped version of Google news, the tech firm will leverage AI to “allow users to keep up with the news they care about, understand the full story, and enjoy and support the publishers they trust.” The new AI powered Google News is also redesigned and will leverage elements found in Google’s digital magazine app, Newsstand and YouTube.
Google Duplex – The new feature, Google Duplex, is powered by the Google Assistant and can make robocalls for everyday tasks like scheduling a hair appointment or making a restaurant reservation. Integrated with AI and ML, Duplex can carry a conversation like a human and adapt to the conversation.
Google Digital WellBeing – In a world where people are addicted to their devices, Google aims to bring a balance to the phone experience in Android P. For this purpose, the company has launched four new features namely Dashboard, App Timer, Do No Disturb, and Wind Down to help users use their phones in a much healthier manner.
  • Dashboard: The Dashboard shows users how often they have been using particular apps.
  • App Timer: The App Timer allows users to set an amount of time to use a certain app and turns the icon grey once the time is up.
  • Do Not Disturb Mode: Much like the current Do Not Disturb feature, this new application ensures users get no visual or sound alerts.
  • Wind Down: The Wind Down feature helps users put down their phones,  setting the whole screen to grayscale.
These are some of the major highlights from the first day of the Google Developers Conference. What was your favorite feature? Let us know in the comments below!

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Phab Raises $2M Seed Funding to Expand Healthy Snacking Brand

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PHAB

Phab, the D2C healthy snacking brand co-founded by Ankit Chona of ice cream brand Hocco and his wife Gayatri Chona, has raised $2 million (around ₹17 crore) in a seed funding round led by OTP Ventures, with participation from Capri Global, Sim&San law firm, and angel investors.

Founded in 2018, phab offers protein bars and healthy milkshakes, leveraging Ankit’s decade-long food industry experience and Gayatri’s expertise as a certified nutritionist. The brand has sold over 2 million units and sells through e-commerce and quick commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto, and Blinkit.

Despite a 12% dip in operating revenue to ₹5 crore in FY24, phab trimmed its net loss by nearly 3% to ₹6.8 crore, showing improved efficiency.

The new funds will be used to expand the team, invest in production capacity, and grow phab’s presence across digital, quick commerce, and offline channels. The brand competes with Yoga Bar, Beyond Snack, and The Whole Truth in India’s growing $68 billion healthy snacking market. OTP Ventures’ founding partner Suhail Sameer praised phab’s bold, differentiated approach and the founders’ vision, signaling strong investor confidence in the brand’s growth potential.

 

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GlobalBees CEO Nitin Agarwal Steps Down; Anuj Jain Appointed as Successor

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GlobalBee

Nitin Agarwal, cofounder and CEO of GlobalBees-the e-commerce roll-up subsidiary of FirstCry-has resigned, effective April 24, 2025, citing personal reasons. Agarwal, who helped GlobalBees achieve unicorn status within months of its 2021 founding, will support the company’s transition until May 23, 2025.

Anuj Jain, a FirstCry veteran with over 23 years of experience and a background at ITC and L’Oréal, will take over as CEO from April 25, 2025. Jain previously led FirstCry’s pre-school segment and served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Brainbees Solutions.

Agarwal’s departure follows several recent leadership changes within the FirstCry group. GlobalBees, which invests in D2C brands across various sectors, contributed ₹1,209 crore to FirstCry’s FY24 revenue, highlighting its strategic significance. With Jain’s appointment, the company aims to continue its strong growth in the D2C space.

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Swiggy Unveils Pyng: AI App Linking Users to Verified Pros

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Swiggy - StartupStories

Swiggy has launched Pyng, a new app aimed at connecting consumers with verified professionals across over 100 specializations, including yoga instructors, financial advisors, tutors, and event planners. Currently live in Bengaluru, Pyng uses AI to match users with trusted experts and offers a money-back guarantee for unsatisfactory services.

The app also provides professionals with tools to manage bookings, track payments, and schedule services efficiently. This marks Swiggy’s entry into the professional services marketplace, expanding beyond its core food delivery and quick commerce businesses. Pyng is available on both iOS and Android, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

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