It's the hottest ticket in town as Google sets the stage for three days of face time with developers in San Francisco.
James Martin
James Martin is the Managing Editor of Photography at CNET.
His photos capture technology's impact on society - from the widening wealth gap in San Francisco, to the European refugee crisis and Rwanda's efforts to improve health care.
From the technology pioneers of Google and Facebook, photographing Apple's Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai, to the most groundbreaking launches at Apple and NASA, his is a dream job for any documentary photography and journalist with a love for technology.
Exhibited widely, syndicated and reprinted thousands of times over the years, James follows the people and places behind the technology changing our world, bringing their stories and ideas to life.
The map pin marks the spot for developers this week outside Moscone West in San Francisco, where Google is preparing to host thousands of developers at the annual Google I/O developer's conference.
Badge pickup started Tuesday, and the lines were long. The developers are eager to connect with Googlers and learn whats next from the company.
According to Google, it took 90 days to sell out I/O 2009, 50 days to sell out I/O 2010, and 59 minutes to sell out I/O in 2011. This year? Google I/O 2012 sold out in just more than 20 minutes.
Every attendee gets a free T-shirt with registration, and if it's anything like other years, they can expect a lot more free stuff.
In 2009, Google handed out free a HTC MyTouch to each attendee. In 2010, everyone got an HTC EVO 4G and a Motorola Droid, and in 2011, everyone received a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, a Samsung Chromebook, and a Verizon LTE Hotspot. What's the stocking stuffer this year going to include?
While the conference doesn't start until Wednesday, CNET got a peek at the upper levels of Moscone West, where the setup is well under way.
6 of 19 James Martin/CNET
The web is what you make of it
In a corner of the second level, a Chrome themed setup occupies some serious real estate. The wall says "The web is what you make of it."
7 of 19 James Martin/CNET
Unboxing Google I/O
The carpets are still covered in plastic, and crates are being unloaded, but by this time tomorrow, everything will be well under way. Google I/O runs from June 27–29, 2012.
8 of 19 James Martin/CNET
Looking down at the Droids
It's pretty quiet right now, but tomorrow, Moscone West will be packed with developers.
