Major tech events are feeling the impact of coronavirus(COVID-19). MWC 2020 was the first major tech event to get cancelled and other events followed up: tech and non-tech. Now this year’s Google I/O event joins them. Google I/O is the tech giant’s biggest annual event first hosted in 2008 that lets the company connect with its developer community.
This year’s edition was announced in January to be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. It’s worth noting that the amphitheatre sits right across the street from the Googleplex headquarters.
Key announcements were expected to be made such as the revelation of more Android 11 details including a developer beta launch, Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL – the company’s “budget” devices, 5G talk, AR/VR announcements, more details about the international rollout of Google Play Pass, Google Stadia news, announcements of new smart home devices powered by Google, WearOS updates, maybe Pixel watch announcement, Google software updates, Google Search and Google Assistant updates.
Google has now cancelled the physical event which was supposed to be held between May 12 and May 14 due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the company prioritises the health and safety of its developer community in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities.
Google is also exploring new ways to connect and support its global developer community. Attendees were being informed of the cancellation through email.
Google I/O canceled due to #Corvid19 , conference will be remote instead @AndroidPolice @arstechnica @Google @googledevs #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/YyQ2c8mTIP
— Nate Harris (@nwithan8) March 3, 2020
Google will probably make the conference an online-only event as it has done for its other events such as the Cloud Next event.
So what happens to my ticket?
Google is assuring everyone who bought tickets to the I/O event that they would get a full refund by March 13th. Google is also giving an option to those who registered this years developer conference a chance to buy tickets for Google I/0 2021.
What else is Google doing?
Since the cancellation will affect businesses that looked forward to the event(Close to 5,000 people were slated to attend the event), the tech giant has reportedly pledged $1 million to local organizations in Mountain View. Google will also direct their efforts to increase computer science and STEM opportunities in the local schools too.
