As an iOS developer, attending my first Google I/O conference was a fascinating experience. The way Google ran their conference fascinated me, as someone who has primarily worked with iOS development and has attended WWDC in the past. In this article, I'll share some thoughts on what struck me about the conference and how it compares to my experiences at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Developer Representatives
One of the most striking differences was the team of developer representatives from Google. These individuals were technically-minded engineers who understood code and were always prompt in responding to questions, even if they didn't know the answer offhand. This approach is vastly different from my experience with Apple's developer reps, who are often not as technically inclined.
In fact, I've found that Apple's developer reps tend to be more focused on marketing and sales, rather than technical support. While they're still helpful in certain situations, it's clear that Google's approach prioritizes the needs of developers like me. With Google, I felt supported every step of the way, which is essential for building successful mobile apps.
General Attitudes
Another significant difference was the general attitude of attendees at I/O versus WWDC. At I/O, everyone seemed open-minded and willing to work on multiple platforms. It wasn't uncommon to see Android users proudly displaying their devices or discussing the latest advancements in mobile app development. In contrast, Apple developers often seem insular and superior, with little interest in exploring other platforms.
This attitude is reflected in Google's employees as well. They're actively interested in improving developing on their platforms and are happy to acknowledge when competitors like Apple have done something well. This openness and willingness to collaborate sets them apart from Apple's more closed-off approach.
The Keynote
The keynote presentation at I/O was also a far cry from what I'm used to at WWDC. While it wasn't quite on the same level as Apple's presentation quality, Sundar Pichai's friendly demeanor made up for it. The first 45 minutes of the keynote flowed well, and the live demonstrations were either brave or foolish (I lean towards the latter). However, I appreciate that Google tried something different from the usual scripted presentations.
Actual Announcements
What struck me most about this year's I/O announcements was the unified vision of Google. For years, their divisions seemed disconnected, with Chrome OS, Android, and Google TV all running on separate tracks. But at I/O, it was clear that they're finally getting their act together, prioritizing a single platform – Android.
As someone who follows Apple closely, I couldn't help but notice the parallels between what happened at Apple and Google. The removal of Scott Forstall and the rise of Tim Cook led to a more unified, collaborative Apple. Similarly, Andy Rubin's departure from Google and Sundar Pichai's leadership have brought about a new era of cooperation and innovation.
The actual announcements themselves were impressive, with Android 'L' preview showcasing great visual design, Android Wear offering a solid 1.0 implementation, and Android TV promising a platform I've been begging Apple to build for years. Android Auto is also an exciting development that has me eager to try it out in my car.
While there's always room for improvement, Google's unified approach to mobile app development is a breath of fresh air. As someone who's spent most of their career working with iOS, attending Google I/O was a valuable experience that opened my eyes to the possibilities of Android and beyond.