The Developer Conference Season is almost open us. But how things have changed compared to the pre-pandemic era when such in-person events drew delegates from across the globe with tickets selling out within hours.  

While Google, Microsoft, Apple and Meta still want your attention, they no longer require you to travel and attending a developer conference is now a low-key affair - but at least it is free of charge. 

Google I/O is the first of the mega developer conferences this year and takes place May 11th-12th. It  will be a virtual event, even though there will be a live audience, comprised mainly of Google employees in attendance at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. While it will be fully available on line and complexly free of charge, there are benefits for registering for the event. According to the FAQ's:

registration for Google I/O 2022 allows you to save and view content that's relevant to you. As a registrant, you can also create a developer profile to get the most out of the digital experience.

Once you have a developer profile you'll be able to participate in the I/O Adventure which, during the event, lets you

explore product zones, earn badges, search for easter eggs, collect virtual swag, and engage with the developer community.

Registration isn't yet open but there is a new I/O Puzzle to be solved.

Later in May comes Microsoft Build which will take place digitally May 24-26, 2022, beginning at 8:30 AM Tuesday, May 24 in the Pacific Time zone. Registration will be available in late April and there will be no fees to register. According to its FAQ's:

Microsoft Build is for developers, engineers, and IT professionals, whether you are a student, career changers new to the tech industry, or an experienced app creator, Microsoft Build is for developers by developers.

Explore the latest innovations in code and application development—and gain insights from peers and experts from around the world. You will meet the engineers behind the Microsoft platforms you use every day and connect with a diverse group of coders who want to hone their skills.

Taking advantage of being a virtual event Microsoft is introducing some features: 

New for this year, experience market-specific content and connection opportunities for France, Germany, Japan, Latin America, and the UK in Regional Spotlights. Microsoft Build Regional Spotlights will include but will not be limited to: Keynote analysis, trending news, and topics for specific regions to help break down what’s new and what it means to you.

Following the trend, the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) which takes place from June 6th-10th, will be a no-cost, online-only event, although Apple is planning to host an in-person session at Apple Park on June 6th, with some developers and students watching the keynote and State of the Union videos together, along with the online community. WWDC is an opportunity to get a first look at Apple’s latest platforms and technologies in sessions, explore the newest tools and tips, and connect with Apple experts in labs and digital lounges. 

It is Meta (formerly Facebook) that is this year's odd man out in that it has announced that its F8 developer conference won't be happening this year. The news came in a blog post, Pausing F8 in 2022, from Diego Duarte Moreira, Director Developer & Startup Programs who wrote:

We are taking a brief break in programming and will not hold F8 in 2022 while we gear up on new initiatives that are all tailored towards the next chapter of the internet, and the next chapter of our company too: building the metaverse. Similar to the early stages of the web, building the metaverse will be a collaborative effort at every stage – with other companies, creators and developers like you.

Meta does, however, have a date for your calendar - its inaugural business messaging event, Conversations, on May 19. Focussed on Meta's messaging services including WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram Direct, sounds like a mini-version of the other virtual events in that the company expects to:

share new product updates and insights as well as feature technical deep-dives, demos and panels – where you will hear directly from our executives, product leads, partners and leading global brands.

Like the other online events this one is free and its registration is already open. 

More Information

Google I/O

 Microsoft Build

Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)

Pausing F8 in 2022 

Conversations

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