Google I/O 2020 Falls to Coronavirus Too
- Paul Thurrott
- Mar 03, 2020
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12
Google has predictably canceled its annual I/O event, which had been scheduled for May, because of the Coronavirus outbreak. I expect Microsoft to cancel Build 2020 soon as well.
“Due to concerns around the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre,” an email from Google to I/O attendees reads.
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Attendees will receive a full refund from Google by March 13, the email adds. And the firm is looking into ways to “evolve” Google /IO to “best connect with [its] developer community.” That seems to suggest that Google will no longer host live I/O events in the future, either.
Google I/O was originally scheduled for May 12-14, which is the week before Build 2020. And while Microsoft has yet to announce it’s canceling that show, it almost certainly will.
“In light of the global health concerns due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Microsoft is monitoring public health guidance in relation to in-person events,” a message on the Build website notes. “At this time, global health authorities have not issued guidance to avoid travel to this location. We are looking carefully at our event calendar as well as our presence at industry events in the coming months. We are not taking decisions lightly, but the health and well-being of our employees, partners, customers and other guests remain our ultimate priority. We will continue to monitor and make any necessary changes as the situation evolves.”
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