April 2020 Summaries

Google for Startups Accelerator Brazil, previously known as Google Developers Launchpad Accelerator, has supported the growth of over 30 Brazilian startups since 2018 by providing them with mentorship and expertise in areas such as Cloud, AI, and machine learning. In 2020, the program adapted to a fully remote format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, announcing ten startups for its first cohort to be conducted entirely on Google Hangouts. The selected startups include Bothub, Caju, DeÔnibus, GoFind, Isportistics, Jobecam, Loft, Neomed, Promobit, and Real Valor. The three-month program offers tailored mentoring, support from Google experts, Google Cloud Platform credits, and access to a network of founders and alumni. Google for Startups Accelerator is part of Google's broader initiatives in Brazil that include various support programs, training workshops, and events aimed at fostering the country's vibrant startup ecosystem.

MediaPipe's KNIFT (Keypoint Neural Invariant Feature Transform) is a newly announced local feature descriptor designed to improve feature matching in computer vision tasks, such as image retrieval and template matching. Unlike traditional methods like SIFT or ORB, which rely on engineered heuristics, KNIFT employs a data-driven approach by learning embeddings from large datasets of real-world video frames. This method allows KNIFT to handle complex spatial transformations and lighting changes more robustly. The training process involves using the well-established Triplet Loss function with triplets extracted from the YouTube UGC Dataset, enhanced by hard-negative triplet mining. KNIFT's architecture is based on a lightweight version of the Inception model, resulting in a 40-dimensional feature descriptor. Performance benchmarks indicate that KNIFT consistently outperforms ORB in keypoint matching tasks across various object types and image conditions. To facilitate adoption, KNIFT is integrated into MediaPipe, offering a template matching solution that can identify and localize image templates in real-time. Demonstrations include matching U.S. dollar bills in video frames, showcasing KNIFT's efficiency and precision. MediaPipe also provides tools for users to create custom templates, further enhancing its versatility in practical applications.

Google Apps Script is highlighted as an accessible tool for developers of all skill levels to automate and extend functionalities within Google services like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and more, without requiring deep programming knowledge of HTTP or OAuth2. The video series "Google Cloud for Student Developers" introduces Apps Script as a way to interact with Google APIs through objects, simplifying the process and making it more inclusive for non-engineering majors and budding data scientists. A notable example demonstrates how just four lines of code can integrate Google Sheets, Maps, and Gmail, showcasing the potential for creating powerful applications with minimal code. The tutorial provides a practical, hands-on approach, encouraging developers to envision further possibilities with G Suite developer tools, and invites them to explore additional resources and upcoming episodes featuring full sample apps using both G Suite REST APIs and Apps Script.

The Local Home SDK, developed by Google, has transitioned from its developer preview phase to a full production release, allowing developers to submit local fulfillment apps alongside their smart home Actions using Local Home SDK v1.0. This SDK enhances integration with Google Assistant by enabling local fulfillment, which reduces latency and increases reliability by routing commands through the local network, with a fallback to cloud fulfillment if necessary. It supports local device discovery over Wi-Fi using protocols like mDNS, UDP, or UPnP, and facilitates command transmission using TCP, UDP, or HTTP. The Actions console now features improved scan configurations, supporting multiple device families and a new user interface that clarifies protocol grouping and required fields. Developers can upload JavaScript bundles for their local apps and are encouraged to use the updated test suite to self-test their apps before submission. For further enhancement, developers are directed to resources such as the Introduction to Local Home SDK, developer guides, and a codelab, with an open invitation to provide feedback and engage with the community.

Developer Student Clubs (DSC) are university-based community groups aimed at students interested in Google developer technologies, offering a platform for peer-to-peer learning and community-driven problem-solving. Students have the opportunity to enhance their developer skills with Google training content, lead projects, build local solutions, and participate in global competitions. These clubs, present in over 68 countries with more than 860 groups, allow students to gain valuable experience and access select Google events. Interest forms for the 2020-2021 academic year are available until May 15th, and students are encouraged to join or start their own clubs to contribute to meaningful projects, as exemplified by initiatives like flood protection in Indonesia and healthcare modernization in Uganda. Developer Student Clubs operate independently and are not directly affiliated with Google or the students' universities.

Google Pay has launched a new Business Console aimed at simplifying the integration of Google Pay into apps and websites for developers and businesses. This tool was created in response to developer feedback, providing a streamlined way to manage Google Pay integrations, track their progress, and receive support at various stages. The console allows users to view the status of current and past integrations, submit new ones for approval, and access resources to aid the integration process. Early adopters, like Gymondo GmbH, have already benefited from the console's features, such as clear integration requirements and efficient approval processes, which have facilitated seamless integration and increased customer transactions via Google Pay. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with easy access at pay.google.com/business/console, and Google invites users to provide feedback to further enhance the Business Console's functionality.