Google cancels I/O amidst coronavirus concerns, but it will hold a livestream event

The COVID-19 virus (also known as coronavirus) has affected a lot of the tech industry on a global scale. We know these concerns caused the GSMA to cancel Mobile World Congress, a major tradeshow for the smartphone industry.

The latest news comes from Google in a statement to The Verge which explained that its annual developer conference, set to be held on May 12-14, would no longer be held physically.

Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre.” – Google Spokesperson

Google has also sent a message to attendees of Google I/O as reported by Droid Life. Google explains that all attendees who paid to attend the developer’s event will be fully refunded by March 13. In addition, those who registered for this year’s drawing will need to register again for Google I/O 2020.

Google uses I/O to announce what the company is working on in software advancements, new services, and improvements to existing Google products like Google Assistant, and Android. Google I/O is usually where features for the next version of Android are revealed.

Google is still going to hold it usual announcements. The difference is that the events will be livestreamed instead of physically hosting reporters.

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