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Google Assistant, Android Q, Google Nest Hub Max: Google's big plans for the rest of the year

Everything Google announced at Google I/O that is here now and coming soon, from new Pixel phones to a reworked Duplex.

Clifford Colby Managing Editor
Clifford is a managing editor at CNET, where he leads How-To coverage. He spent a handful of years at Peachpit Press, editing books on everything from the first iPhone to Python. He also worked at a handful of now-dead computer magazines, including MacWEEK and MacUser. Unrelated, he roots for the Oakland A's.
Expertise Tech from browser security to password managers and government programs from mail-in voting to federal assistance
Clifford Colby
5 min read
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Google has big plans for the rest of 2019.

Juan Garzon/CNET

Google has big plans for the second half of 2019 that run from the home to the auto. At its just-concluded Google I/O developer conference, the tech giant unveiled the Google Nest Hub Max, talked about its plans for Lens and AR, showed a more personal side of Google Assistant, debuted cheaper Pixel 3A and 3A XL phones and revealed new features in in Android Q.

Among its announcements, Google talked about a new "Personal references" feature in Google Assistant, an easier way to turn on dark mode in Android Q, a 10-screen and camera for the new Google Nest Hub Max, affordable Pixel phones with top-of-the-line cameras, and a new version of Duplex that is less creepy.

Here's everything Google announced at its recent developer conference.

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai takes the stage at Google I/O today.

James Martin/CNET

Google Lens and AR

To kick off the morning's keynote address, Google showed how Google Search and Lens are pushing into deeper phone uses for AR -- and bringing a Great White Shark onto the stage.

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Google Vice President Aparna Chennapragada demos new AR features. And a shark.

James Martin/CNET

Google Duplex

Unveiled at last year's Google I/O, Duplex began as an automated method for placing calls on your behalf to perform a few services, such as making reservations at a restaurant, using natural conversation. Today, Google said it intends to bring Duplex to the web, helping you complete tasks in more places.

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Google intends to extends Duplex to the web.

Google/Screenshot by Morgan Little/CNET

Google Assistant

Talk of Assistant took up a good part of the keynote, as the tech giant said it's expanding the reach of its artificial-intelligence personal helpmate to make it much more useful in more places, including in the car.

Google Assistant comes to the car.

Google/GIF by Jason Hiner/CNET

Android Q

Expected to ship sometime this summer or fall, Android Q will be focused on improving privacy and providing more useful notifications and offer a collection of useful additions. And a dark theme! Today, Google also showed off support for foldable Android phones and said beta 3 of Android Q is available now.

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Android Q is coming later this year, with dark mode.

Screenshot by Morgan Little/CNET

Hub Max and Google smart home devices

Google said it's reworking its smart-home line, combining its Nest smart home brand and Google Home smart devices into the Google Nest brand. The merged lineup of smart home devices features the new Google Nest Hub Max, which sports a 10-inch screen.

Read more: Google is replacing Works with Nest with Works with Google Assistant and it could make your smart home worse.  


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The new Nest Hub Max comes in at $229.

James Martin/CNET

Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL

The new Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL Android phones Google rolled out today are cheaper versions of Google's top-end Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices. The new phones are a price-friendly way to get the straight-up Android experience -- and Google's phenomenal camera.

Pixel 3A and Pixel 3A XL look familiar, but are more affordable

See all photos

AI

Google is using AI and voice recognition technology to help people with disabilities live more independent and autonomous lives. Its technology could also catch things missed by trained oncologists, the company says.

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Google is using AI technology to help people with speech impairments more easily communicate.

Google

Chrome

Google announced it will follow in other browsers' footsteps to protect privacy.

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Google is looking to step up dealing with trackers in Chrome.

Gabriel Sama/CNET

Originally published May 4, 12:53 p.m. PT.
Updates, May 7, 10:19 a.m. PT: Adds details from conference; 10:54 a.m.; 11:10 a.m.; 11:22 a.m.; 12:03 p.m. and 1:08 p.m: Additional details from conference. May 10: Adds additional details.

Watch this: Upgraded Google Assistant gets faster and smarter