A big year for Android means a big year for Google. But Android isn't the only thing that Google is responsible for. In fact, it isn't even the biggest revenue maker for Google. The company worked on a lot of things this year, revamping older tech and bringing in completely new things. Here's what Google did all year round.
Android Lollipop
It may not be the biggest revenue source for Google, but it definitely is the biggest news maker. The new version of Android, Android 5.0, came out just a few months ago and Google says it is the biggest update to Android yet.
Android Wear
In these year end reviews, we've often mentioned the big push given to wearables this year. A big part of that push came from Google, with Android Wear, which can be found on smartwatches like the Moto 360.
Android TV
We really need to rethink that introductory slide. Google did a lot in Android this year, taking yet another shot at home entertainment. Android TV is Google's latest take on the television and it provides seamless integration with your phone and Chromebooks.
Android Auto
Since Apple already had CarPlay, Google had to do something in Auto too. Behold, Android Auto, Google's version of the smart car-tech industry. Oh and the company has also made great headway into self-driving automobiles this year.
Android One
Sunder Pichai made a rare appearance in India for this one. Google announced its intention to partner with OEMs to make low priced but decent specc'd Android smartphones. The initiative seems to have lost steam since then, but we're not losing hope just yet.
Google Hindi
India was the first country to get Android One and Google is taking steps to ensure that it stays. Google Hindi Voice input was one of those steps. You can now search on your phone through Hindi voice input.
YouTube Offline
This is another effort by Google that is aimed at emerging markets like India. The company now offers YouTube videos offline, in order to tackle the problem of high data charges and speed issues.
Nexus 6
Motorola did a fine job with the Nexus 6, but it doesn't seem to have the Google subsidy anymore. It's still a stock Android device, but it's not very well priced. The Nexus 6 has broken the 40k price barrier, which has irked a good many of us.
Nexus Player
The Nexus Player by Asus is the first device to run the Android TV platform. Google launched this alongside the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9. It hasn't received the best reviews right now, but it has big implications for the future.
Google Fit
Both Google and Apple showed great interest in Health this year, launching the Health (Apple) and Google Fit apps. This makes a lot of sense, considering it is one of the primary functions of your smartwatches and bands.
Bye bye Orkut
Google scrapped Orkut (pun intended) this year, the only successful social networking effort from the company. While Google+ has done much better than Buzz and Wave, neither of these have reached the level of Orkut, one of the original social networks. RIP.
First prototypes of Project Ara
We also got to see the first prototypes of Project Ara this year. The company has been hard at work on the modular smartphone since taking over the Phoneblocks project. Google has promised the first working device early next year.
Robotics and Aritificial Intelligence
All throughout 2014, Google bought a lot of robotics and artificial intelligence firms. The company's intentions are yet to be known, but there's no shortage of theories. The company bought four AI firms this year and had bought seven robotics firms last year.