Google launches Interactive Events app for Android and the web

Google this week launched Interactive Events, a new second-screen tool meant to be used at the company’s own events. You can download the new app now directly from Google Play and also access it on the web at interactive-events.withgoogle.com/web.

The Android app was first spotted by Android Police yesterday, but upon launch it showed an “internal dogfood” dialog with the following text:

Shhh! This is a CONFIDENTIAL internal dogfood version of the Interactive Events app. Do not show this to non-Googlers and do not discuss this externally.

Many speculated yesterday about the purpose of this app, pointing out that Google I/O 2015 is only two months away. Google launches a new standalone app every year for its developer conference (here’s the one for last year), and the thinking was that this app would replace those annual releases.

Today, Google+ user Florian Kiersch spotted the web app and noticed the Android app’s description has been updated to confirm this guess, and then some — the app “will allow guests, attending events run by Google, to interact with speakers on stage, take notes, participate in Q&A, connect to social media, and request further follow-up information.” The app will naturally only work at events that are organized by Google.

Interestingly, this description refers to the app as the “Google Events App” even though it’s clearly called “Interactive Events.” Given that an iOS version isn’t yet available, we’d wager this may be the explanation for the discrepancy — the Google name is much more needed on Apple’s App Store than on Google Play.

The Android app update also removed the dogfood message. That said, when you first access the app on Android or the web, you’re still greeted with the following disclaimer:

Welcome to the Interactive Events app!

Before we begin, here is some important legal information regarding your use of this app. This will only take a minute!

Your use of this application is governed by: a) the Google Terms of Service (http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms); b) Google’s Privacy Policy (http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy) ; and c) any applicable Google service-specific terms of service and privacy policies may be updated form time to time and without notice.

Your notes and responses may be viewed by the event organiser. Please do not share confidential information.

This application collects certain information as you use it, including via Google Analytics. Google’s Privacy Policy explains how Google treats your information and protects your privacy when you use the application. By using the application, you agree to the use of your data in accordance with Google’s Privacy Policy.

To proceed, you have to hit a red Accept button. Once through, the Android app takes you to a page that lets you scan a QR code or enter a confirmation code to add an event.

The Web app prompts you to sign in with Google+. You also have three alternatives to choose from: Facebook, LinkedIn, or GitHub.

You’re then taken to a page that is similar to the Android version, without the QR code option. It’s important to emphasize that the web app works in mobile browsers, so you can use it on non-Android phones and tablets.

Registration for Google I/O 2015 opens on March 17. We’d guess the app will become useful soon after the first invites are sent out.

Update: A Google spokesperson told VentureBeat that this app is not related to the upcoming Google I/O 2015 app, which is expected to arrive sometime in late April.