And just like that, Google I/O is sold out

It took less than an hour for Google's developer conference, Google I/O, to sell out today.

The event, which will be held May 15-17 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, has always been a popular draw for the developer community. About 50 minutes after the tickets went on sale at 7 a.m. PT today, the "sold out" message appeared. On the registration page instead was a note that the keynotes and top sessions will be available on computer, phone, or tablet.

Google I/O has been the venue for the announcement of major releases of Android, as well as a chance for conference attendees to check out experimental products, such as Google Glass. With the recent hype building over Google's high-tech headgear, there are high expectations Google will wow the audience with new features and apps.

In addition, it has been the conference to get a lot of free Google gear. Last year, attendees got the Nexus 7 tablet, Nexus Q, Galaxy Nexus smartphone, and the Chromebox, a value of more than $1,100.

Given the early stage of Google Glass, it's unlikely that developers will get to take a pair home for themselves. But the Nexus 4 smartphone from LG and the Nexus 10 tablet from Samsung Electronics are candidates for freebies.

Last year, Google I/O sold out in 20 minutes.

Check back with CNET to get full coverage of Google's developer conference when it kicks off in May.