Google I/O 2020 canceled, succumbing to Coronavirus concerns

Google I/O 2020 will likely be held virtually with the tech giant deciding to forgo an in-person conference due to the coronavirus.

Google confirmed Tuesday that its 2020 I/O conference is now canceled due to concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). The tech giant has decided to forgo hosting the three-day conference under advice from government entities including the CDC and WHO.

https://twitter.com/googledevs/status/1234944902900805632

Google put out a statement detailing that it will not host a physical event as it usually does at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, but will rather look into other methods of sharing its latest developments with the Google community.

https://twitter.com/nwithan8/status/1234937235373481985

Pundits expect that Google may host its developer sessions remotely, however, there is currently no word on how the brand will host its anticipated keynotes. Google typically uses these events to announce and showcase the latest updates in upcoming Android versions and other hardware and software concepts.

https://twitter.com/RonAmadeo/status/1234983955222282240

The decision to cancel I/O can not long after Google opened registration for the conference. The company uses a random selection system to pick attendees for the conference. Those selected are then invited to purchase tickets for the event. Google has stated that those who have already purchased I/O tickets will receive a full refund by March 13, 2020. Additionally, all who registered for I/O 2020 will be automatically receive an option to purchase a ticket for I/O 2021.