Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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!

Continue Reading
Advertisement
1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Kswwzmcg

    May 27, 2025 at 4:31 pm

    Explore os melhores cassinos online classificados de 2025. Compare bônus, seleções de jogos e a confiabilidade das principais plataformas para uma jogabilidade segura e recompensadoraatividades de cassino

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Funding

Agritech Startup Gramik Raises INR 17 Crore to Expand Rural Commerce in India

Published

on

StartupStories
  • Gramik, a Lucknow-based agritech startup, has secured INR 17 crore in a bridge funding round ahead of its upcoming INR 56 crore Series A raise.
  • The funding round included investments via Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCDs) and Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs).
  • Key investors include Sammaan Global Ventures, Money Creeper Investment, and prominent angels such as Balram Yadav (MD & CEO, Godrej Agrovet), Gev Aryaton, Irfan Alam, Nikhil Bhagat, and Salvia Siddiqui.

Gramik’s Unique Peer Commerce Model

  • Founded in 2021 by Raj Yadav, Gramik empowers over 120 million small and marginal farmers in India through a technology-driven rural commerce platform.
  • The startup operates a dual-channel distribution network using Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) and rural retailers to deliver high-quality agri-inputs to remote areas.
  • Gramik’s full-stack platform offers demand aggregation, logistics, embedded credit, and agronomy services, ensuring last-mile delivery and support for farmers.

Expansion Plans and Future Growth

  • Gramik currently operates in 12 districts, with 1,200+ active VLEs and 250+ rural retail partners, and plans to expand to 3,000 VLEs and reach 1 million+ farmers across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu.
  • The new funds will be used to expand Gramik’s private-label products, enhance agronomy-led farmer engagement, and scale operations in key states.
  • With a strong focus on supply chain efficiency, technology, and farmer advisory services, Gramik aims to become a leader in India’s $50 billion agri-input and rural commerce market.
  • Backed by previous seed funding of over INR 25 crore, Gramik is set to drive innovation and inclusive growth for rural communities.

 

Continue Reading

Funding

Reliance Jio Platforms Puts $100 Billion IPO on Hold to Focus on Growth

Published

on

Reliance Jio Platforms, the digital and telecom powerhouse led by Mukesh Ambani, has decided to postpone its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO), shelving plans for a 2025 listing. The IPO, which analysts valued at over $100 billion and expected to be India’s largest-ever stock market debut, will not take place this year. The company has yet to appoint bankers for the process, signaling that preparations for the public offering have not started in earnest.

According to sources close to the matter, Jio Platforms wants to give its business more time to grow before going public. The company is focusing on boosting revenues, expanding its telecom subscriber base, and scaling up its digital services—including apps, connected devices, and AI solutions—so it can achieve a higher valuation when the IPO eventually happens. Nearly 80% of Jio Platforms’ $17.6 billion annual revenue currently comes from its telecom business, Reliance Jio Infocomm, but the company is investing heavily in new digital ventures and partnerships, such as its collaboration with Nvidia on AI infrastructure.

The news of the delay impacted the market, with shares of parent company Reliance Industries falling by up to 1.8% following the announcement. Despite a strong IPO environment in India, Jio’s move is seen as a strategic decision to ensure stronger business fundamentals and a higher valuation before entering the public markets. Major investors, including Google and Meta, are said to support the decision, viewing it as a step toward long-term value creation.

Continue Reading

News

Starlink Receives Final Regulatory Approval to Launch Satellite Internet in India

Published

on

Starlink - StartupStories

Elon Musk’s Starlink has received the final regulatory green light to launch its satellite internet services in India, marking a major milestone for the country’s digital connectivity. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) granted Starlink the crucial approval, making it the third company after Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio to secure full regulatory clearance for satellite broadband in India.

What Does This Mean for India?

  • Starlink can now move forward with commercial satellite broadband operations, aiming to bring high-speed internet to both urban and remote regions where traditional connectivity is limited or unavailable.
  • The approval allows Starlink to operate its Gen1 satellite constellation over Indian territory, using a mix of Ka and Ku band frequencies for reliable internet access.
  • The license is valid until July 7, 2030, giving Starlink five years to establish and grow its presence in the Indian market.

What’s Next for Starlink?

Before launching services, Starlink must:

  • Acquire satellite spectrum from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
  • Set up ground infrastructure such as gateway stations across the country
  • Complete security and compliance trials as required by Indian authorities

If all goes according to plan, Starlink’s commercial rollout could begin by late 2025 or early 2026.

Pricing and Partnerships

  • Starlink kits are expected to cost around ₹33,000, with monthly subscription fees likely ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,200.
  • The hardware and services will be distributed through major telecom partners like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, expanding Starlink’s reach across India36.
  • These rates are similar to those in neighboring countries where Starlink has already launched.

Why Is This Important?

  • Starlink’s entry is set to transform India’s internet landscape, especially for rural and underserved communities.
  • The move supports India’s broader goal of expanding digital access and bridging the connectivity gap across diverse regions.

In Summary

With this final approval, Starlink is poised to revolutionize satellite internet in India, offering new options for millions of users and supporting the country’s digital future. The next steps involve spectrum allocation, infrastructure setup, and regulatory compliance—after which Starlink aims to go live, potentially as soon as the end of 2025.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Recent Posts

Advertisement