Google I/O Conference: Expect Android Updates, Wearables and Virtual Reality

— -- Every year Google's I/O Conference is the place where creators and developers unite to discuss some of the biggest ideas that enrich and change the way people interact with their devices.

This year's conference kicks off Thursday in San Francisco. While Google isn't spilling any of its big plans yet, a look at the agenda online reveals what could be in store.

Android M

At the top of the list is sweet news for Android fans. The next flavor of Google's Android operating system -- dubbed M -- could be unveiled.

A mention of a May 28 session for an "An Android for Work Update" was quickly scrubbed from the calendar earlier this month, indicating that perhaps one of the big reveals of the conference had been teased too soon. The caption mentioned how Android M can open "huge new markets for hundreds of millions of devices to workers at small business, deskless workers, logistics and warehouse jobs."

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality has once again become a hot topic -- with Mirosoft introducing its HoloLens mixed reality goggles earlier this year and Facebook's Oculus announcing the consumer version of its headset will ship in early 2016.

At I/O last year Google put a fun spin on the idea, releasing its Google Cardboard glasses that can connect to a smartphone. Earlier this year, Google and partner Mattel also revealed a first look at a revamped virtual reality View-Master using cardboard and Android.

While we'll have to wait and see if any new big announcements are coming, a session called "Make Believe" next Thursday invites attendees to "explore virtual reality and how it may change our lives."

Satellite Mapping

Google bought satellite mapping company Skybox last year. We'll learn more about how the search giant plans to leverage that technology in a session called "The Earth in Real Time."

"With Skybox, we're looking to take the next step forward in satellite imaging and find new ways to help people use data from space to solve problems on Earth," the event description said.

In a statement announcing the $500 million cash deal last year, Google said it plans to use Skybox's technology to bolster Google Maps by keeping its imagery even more "accurate" and "up-to-date."

"Over time, we also hope that Skybox's team and technology will be able to help improve Internet access and disaster relief -- areas Google has long been interested in," the statement said.

Fitness

With the rise of fitness trackers and wearables, it's no surprise that Google is carving out some time to discuss Google Fit and how the fitness tracking service is serving millions of users.

"As a fitness developer, how can you use this data to help people lead fuller lives? What kind of data is it and how are we generating it?" the agenda said. "The Google Fit team reveals all in this talk."

The Future

Expect to hear about Project Ara, Google's modular smartphone which will be piloted in Puerto Rico later this year. The puzzle-like device allows people to create phones with customized looks and capabilities.

Google also says to expect "wearables that we hope will blow your socks off."

"Our goal: break the tension between the ever-shrinking screen sizes necessary to make electronics wearable and our ability to have rich interactions with them. Why can’t you have both? We like to build new things. Sometimes seemingly impossible things."

What those seemingly impossible things are -- we'll have to wait until next week for clues.