Google I/O app updated for 2013, new features abound

Attendees and folks watching from home can keep track of all the happenings at this years Google developer conference

Google I/O 2013 is just six days away, and to help everyone get ready the folks at Mountain View have pushed a mighty big update to the Google I/O app. What began as a way to show off Android fragmentsand best UI practices has turned into quite the portal for anyone interested in Google I/O, whether you're attending or not. A quick look at the change log.

• NEW! Scan attendee badges via NFC
• NEW! Schedule changes are immediately synchronized between devices
• NEW! Lock screen widget for viewing your agenda on the go
• NEW! Vector-based maps with session info
• NEW! Dedicated HDMI video output for livestreams
• NEW! Automatic WiFi setup for attendees
• NEW! Off-site attendee mode for livestream-only viewers
• Use Google+ for login
• Support for viewing Office Hours sessions
• Improved support for devices with RTL locales

Upon installing the app using your Google+ account credentials, you're asked if you'll be attending. This way the app knows whether or not to set up your Wifi access and let you choose your event schedule in the agenda view.

The whole UI is now very Google Now-like, with cards and swiping taking center stage, and is optimized for phones, 7-inch tablets and 10-inch tablets. Developer Advocate Roman Nurikhas a great overview of the style and design changes and improvements on his Google+ page, be sure to check that out if you're into design.

If you're attending I/O this year, be sure to look for us. If you're watching from home, we'll have all the coverage you could ask for. Six more days!

Via: Google I/O app updated for 2013, new features abound