This is when you'll get a first look at Android N

GOOGLE'S biggest event of the year is scheduled from May 18th to the 20th 2016, CEO Sundar Pichai has confirmed.

 

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has confirmed the date and location of the firm's conference

 

CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that Google will hold its annual developers' conference in Mountain View's Shoreline Ampitheatre from May 18th to the 20th 2016.

"I/O'16 coming to neighborhood where it all started 10 yrs ago: Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, May 18-20. More details soon," he tweeted.

Google I/O – which stands for both "input/output" and "Innovation in the Open" – is a chance for the US technology firm to preview updates to its platforms, including Android and ChromeOS.

Developers attend a range of in-depth sessions held by Google which detail the latest technologies available for Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Google Web Toolkit, App Engine, and more.

 

Google co-founder Larry Page speaks at the Google I/O conference

 

Google is also expected to debut more details on its autonomous driving programme, rumoured to be the reason Google has chosen to hold the conference on its campus.

Google last year offered attendees a sneak peak at Android Marshmallow, revealing the latest version of the mobile OS had support for fingerprint sensors, Android Pay and Now on Tap.

The search firm has also debuted new hardware and devices at the event, which is usually attended by some 5,000 software and web developers.

One of the most popular rumours surrounding the event is that Google will bring Android and ChromeOS closer together.

 

The Pixel C attaches to the QWERTY keyboard thanks to a nifty hinge and some strong magnets

 

ChromeBooks are already capable of running apps built for Android, so it would make sense for the two mobile operating systems to share more common ground.

It would also benefit devices like the Pixel C, which struggles to keep up with rival devices from Apple and Microsoft.

The news comes after Google pushed out a major new update to its Maps app on Android.

The update – version 9.19 or higher – brings an intelligent new Driving Mode which searches through your driving history, online search history and current location to work-out your next destination.

  

The updated Android app ships with a new Driving Mode shortcut for your homescreen

 

Google Maps will then suggest the best possible route for your destination, based on the latest traffic and weather conditions, according to Android Police.

The app will also calculate an up-to-date ETA, estimated time of arrival, for your destination too.

The new mode, which is available on Google Maps for Android version 9.19 or higher, can be launched via a specific shortcut on your device homescreen or from the nav drawer.

Google has now included a timeline within the Maps app, which lets you look back at your previous destinations and routes.

The US technology firm has also included a new settings screen to let you toggle which data streams Google can trawl to work out your travel preferences, destination and more.