Google Completely Cancels Annual I/O Developer Conference Over Coronavirus
Google cancels its massive I/O developer conference entirely, making it the first major tech company to scrap its event rather than move it online.
Google completely cancels its annual I/O developer conference due to the coronavirus outbreak. The company initially plans to move the in-person gathering to an online-only format, but now scraps the event entirely to comply with local Bay Area shelter-in-place orders.
Unlike Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple, which shift their developer events to digital spaces, Google takes the unprecedented step of a full cancellation. The company states that focusing on health, safety, and helping communities navigate the pandemic remains its top priority right now.
This cancellation means Google misses the chance to showcase upcoming hardware like new Pixel smartphones and discuss Android 11 features directly with thousands of developers. However, the tech giant promises to share ongoing Android updates through developer blogs and community forums instead.