Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Google cancels 2020 I/O conference amid coronavirus concerns

The latest casualty of the novel coronavirus: Google’s I/O developer conference, which had been scheduled to take place May 12- 14, has been canceled by the giant technology company amid fears that the COVID-19 virus could spread like wildfire throughout showgoers.

Recommended Videos

“Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google  I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre,” Google said in a statement. “Over the coming weeks, we will explore other ways to evolve Google I/O to best connect with and continue to build our developer community. We’ll continue to update the Google I/O website.”

All guests who have purchased tickets to I/O 2020 will receive a full refund by March 13, 2020, the company said, noting that anyone who hasn’t seen the credit by then can reach out to io@google.com. Guests who have registered for I/O 2020 will not need to enter next year’s drawing and will be automatically granted the option of purchasing an I/O 2021 ticket.

Google said it was exploring other options for the show. One that leaps to mind is virtual reality: While it’s likely that there isn’t a big enough installed base for a virtual reality event to have the reach Google would like, such a developer event could be an opportunity to offer steep discounts to drive such adoption. And because the crowd at Google I/O is developers by design, it’s an opportunity to roll out new features to the people best suited to use them — and show them in real time the benefits of using them.

I/O is the latest event to be impacted by the Coronavirus, following Facebook’s cancellation of the F8 event, the cancellation of the Game Developer Conference, the Geneva Motor Show, and the first show to falter at the stumbling block: the cancellation of MWC, or Mobile World Congress, the massive mobile technology show traditionally held in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, the technology and entertainment worlds watch and hold their breath as the creators of the SXSW agonize over their show. SXSW is still being held, they insist, even as big names announce plans to limit employee travel or pull out of the show entirely. Will they or won’t they? Only time will tell.

Jeremy Kaplan
As Editor in Chief, Jeremy Kaplan transformed Digital Trends from a niche publisher into one of the fastest growing…
How to save text messages on iPhone and Android
iMessage on an iPhone.

We receive a lot of important information via text. Whether it’s a date you need to set or important work-related info, you might find yourself wanting to save a text message. Modern smartphones all offer a way to back up your core data and transfer it to another device. However, transfers sometimes don’t include your text messages unless you save them ahead of time or are transferring across the same mobile operating system.

Here's how to save your text messages in Android and iOS.
How to save your text messages on iPhone
There are multiple ways to backup your iPhone text messages. Here are the easiest.
How to make iPhone text message backups using iExplorer
The most universal method of saving your iPhone text messages is via the iExplorer program.

Read more
Google is now supporting my awful browser habits, and I love it
Google Chrome opened on a laptop.

Google has just released a new update for Chrome, and it could be a real timesaver if you're anything like me.

I have some pretty bad habits when it comes to how I use my browsers, and instead of forcing me to improve, Google is supporting me. Needless to say, I love it.

Read more
Google Chromecast tips and tricks to make you a master caster
Apple TV app on Chromecast with Google TV

Looking to up your streaming game? While smart TVs have a myriad of built-in apps and other features to keep you entertained for hours, adding a Google Chromecast to the mix really amps things up. Whether you're running a standard "casting" model or the all-new Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast allows you to cast content from your phone or computer to your TV screen. The latest Google TV features a fully navigable app menu similar to Roku and Apple TV, along with a handy voice remote. But that's only the surface layer.

Once you understand the basics, there are loads more that you can get out of your Chromecast. Whether you want to put your computer screen on your TV or experience 3D VR, this device has you covered. Our guide to Google Chromecast tips and tricks is here to give you all the info on how to take advantage of these lesser-known capabilities so you can become a Chromecast master.

Read more