Google I/O 2018 provided a lot to consider when it came to artificial intelligence, mobility, and how data can be used to make services better.
But as Google's developer powwow is in the rear view mirror, it's worth considering the high-level takeaways and lessons, as well as what they tell us about the company's strategy.
Here's a look at the key themes from Google I/O.
Google has navigated data privacy scrum well
Zack Whittaker pointed out what wasn't said at Google I/O[1]. The company didn't mention the Facebook data flap and didn't speak to privacy during the Google I/O keynote. The omission[2] was notable given that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella devoted a good chunk of his Build 2018 keynote to the topic.
How has Google avoided the data control issue so well (for now)? Return on investment.
Let's compare and contrast.
- Facebook takes a lot of your data and knows a ton about you. What do you get in return? Not much. You are the product, and the return to you is better ad targeting. Facebook is a time vampire that doesn't offer you much beyond connecting with friends you likely wouldn't miss over time anyway.
- Google has just as much of your data if not more. Yet Google consistently gives you a return on that data sharing. Whether it's a helpful Google Assistant tidbit, unsolicited directions from Google Maps, a notification for your flight based on a Gmail entry and learning your screen habits over time, there's a return on your data. Am I thrilled Google knows so much about me? Not really. Do I get value for sharing my information? You bet.
That difference between data and ROI is critical in any