Google I/O: Weird Name, Big Deal

Google’s kicks off its three-day I/O conference today, drumming up lots of chatter among techies but leaving at least some casual observers wondering what the heck I/O is.

The I/O conference is Google’s major stage on which to make an annual pitch to third-party developers. (The name refers to input-output, which is essentially human-computer interaction.) Because Google differentiates itself from its main competitor Apple through its embrace of open platforms, the conference is immensely important for the company.

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