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Google I/O 2020 has been completely cancelled
At the beginning of the month, we reported that Google was moving its yearly I/O developer conference to an online-only event, citing coronavirus concerns.
Since then, a lot has transpired. A number of other events have been pre-emptively canceled, and California has issued a Shelter in Place order to try and stop the spread of the virus. Because of this order, Google says it is unable to hold its yearly conference, even in an online-only capacity.
A #GoogleIO update: Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities — and in line with “shelter in place” requirements by the local Bay Area government — we sadly will not be holding an I/O event in any capacity this year. (1/3)— Google Developers (@googledevs) March 20, 2020
In a tweet thread by Google Developers, the company said it is abiding by the Bay Area’s Shelter in Place order, which led to the decision to cancel the event. It also said it is focusing its efforts on how to help communities stay safe, informed, and connected.
This doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of news in the coming weeks. Google I/O has always been a place for Google to introduce new features, OS updates, and even new hardware. The company says it will switch to developer blogs and community forms to announce the things it would have launched at the event.
I’m personally saddened by this news because I/O has always been an incredible way to get valuable one-on-one time with developers. It’s clear that the company has a ton to focus on right now though, so we’ll make sure to bring you those blog posts as they come.