Google I/O 2022: Multisearch Near Me, Virtual Cards For Online Payments, Google Pixel 6A & More — Top Announcements

Google IO 2022 Highlights: Let's take a look at 6 top announcements made by Google CEO Sundar Pichai during today's event. Stay tuned for more details.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai at I/O 2022 Conference. (Image: Google)

Google IO 2022 Updates: Google.Inc on Wednesday hosted its annual I/O 2022 developer event, where the tech conglomerate rolled out several new features on its platforms, promising to enhance consumer experience. During the event, Google made announcements regarding significant changes in both its hardware and software. The event that began at 10.30 pm IST will run through Thursday. The online event is free for everyone to attend and interested users can get themselves registered on io.google/2022 as well.

Check Out Some Key Announcements Made By Google During Day 1 Of I/O 2022:

1. Google Translate Now Supports 24 New Languages

In one of its key announcements, Google reveals its new monolingual advancements in Google Translate. The company unveiled that Google Translate now supports as many as 24 new languages that usually do not have much representation on most tech platforms. 

The newly added languages are Assamese, Aymara, Bambara, Dhivehi, Dogri, Ewe, Guarani, Ilocano, Konkani, Krio, Kurdish, Lingala, Luganda, Maithili, Meiteilon (Manipuri), Mizo, Oromo, Quechua, Peru, Sanskrit, Sepedi, Tigrinya Tsonga and Twi.

2. Google Maps Gets New Features

In his keynote address, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that Google Maps now reveals more buildings in India, regions in Africa, as well as other countries like Indonesia using newer, advanced technologies. According to his announcement, the new 3D mapping technologies for the new Maps experience is called the 'Immersive View'.

With this feature, users can head to select cities and check weather forecast, hear the local traffic and even check inside local cafes, all straight from Google Maps. Additionally, Google Cloud stream will allow the feature to run on any smartphone.

3. Google Meet, Google Docs Get Enhanced

Google Docs has been upgraded with new feature that will allow the popular writing tool to summarise entire documents automatically. During his address, Pichai also revealed that the feature will also come to other Google services.

Meanwhile, Google Meet will now have improved audio and video quality that will be powered by Project Starline. Pichai also said that Google Meet will now have a studio quality lighting effects that will help with darker settings during video conferences.

4. Google Search Gets 'Multisearch Near Me' Feature

Google Search is now shifting into multi-mode. The tech giant has introduced the new feature for local search results including segments like apparel, home goods and restaurants near your area. The feature will be available later this year.

According to reports, Google has combined data across multiple inputs to power features like Multisearch earlier this year. 

5. With Autofill Feature, Use Virtual Card For Online Payments

Later Sundar Pichai also pointed out that Google is putting $10 billion into bettering user safety online. Pichai said that Google is working with closely players like VISA and MasterCard to soon introduce Virtual Cards, a new feature that keeps consumers' card details safe during online transactions.

When you use autofill to complete payment details, Virtual Cards on Chrome and Android will replace your actual card number with a distinct, virtual number. Your real number is kept private — keeping you safer and more secure.

6. Google Pixel 6A, Pixel Buds Pro

Google announced the Google Pixel 6A, the third device in the Pixel 6-series, at the developer conference Thursday. The A-series smartphone has some similarities to the more expensive vanilla Pixel 6. It also announced the Pixel Buds Pro, offering active noise cancelling powered by a new custom audio processor.