Microsoft Build is taking place in what has become its "usual" slot - the beginning of the penultimate week of May - and in its "home" location, Seattle. This year Google I/O clashes with it, starting on Day 2 of Build. However, as it is almost entirely virtual, you can "be" at both if you want to.

Time was when Professional Developer Conferences were headline grabbing events. They were strictly in-person events, made attractive not only by giving you the opportunity to be the first to know about upcoming tech but also by the freebies that were handed out.

In the post-COVID era things have changed. We can all watch the keynotes from wherever we are at the time, and even after the event, and there's little to tempt anyone to fly from afar. This isn't to suggest that you should ignore either of these live events. It's certainly worth noting their dates and making plans to participate in some way.

As it has ever since 2017, Google revealed the date for its annual developer event using a puzzle. The one for I/O 2025 is called "Prism Shift" and players manipulate light beams to illuminate beacons to shine on a surface where the date is printed. This year, Google introduced a new dimension with a side quest powered by the Gemini API, where players solve riddles to unlock bonus worlds. You can still play the puzzle here

As for the location, Google will again be hosting I/O in its own backyard at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. While there will be a live audience of Googler's for the rest of us attendance will be virtual, although there will likely be community events organized by local Google Developer Groups which provides opportunities for networking which was an important reason for attending an in-person event.

Microsoft Build is a hybrid event - in person as well as being live-streamed, You can register you interest in attending now to be notified when tickets go on sale in due course. Or register as am on-line participant to get up-to-date information as soon as it is available,

More Information

Google I/O 2025 Puzzle

Google I/O

Microsoft Build

Register for Microsoft Build

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