Goolge I/O vs Apple's WWDC: Nexus 8 Release, Ara Smartphone, Google Glass and Android 4.5 Lollipop

Apple went ahead first with its Worldwide Developers Conference and now all eyes turn to Google. The internet giant will be holding its I/O Conference later this month opening possibilities for announcement of the Android 4.5 Lollipop update, Nexus 8 and new hardware like the Ara Smartphone. Google will also reportedly release a consumer edition of the Google Glass redefining smart devices and health gears. Can Google do better than Apple?
Previously, developer conferences seem more like a platform for the technical lot to discuss things they are only most likely to understand. However, throughout the years, it has become a platform for companies like Apple and Google to announce new services and products. Although SDKs and APIs are beyond most consumer talks, upcoming Nexus and Android smartphones, tablets and other devices should ring a bell.
Android 4.5 or 5.0 Lollipop
Google has started rolling out the Android 4.4.3 update to Nexus devices thus there is the Android 4.5 Lollipop update left for it to reveal. Despite many reports citing the update as Android 4.5 Lollipop, there are also those who refer to it as possibly Android 5.0 Moonshine according to PC Advisor. The report also emphasized Google's possible focus on optimizing the OS better for tablets.
The Android 4.5 or 5.0 update will also reportedly be part of Google's Hera initiative. The initiative seeks to combine the functionalities and experience of Android, Chrome and Search. This should create a better ecosystem even more coherent that what Android 4.4 KitKat attempted.
Nexus 8
Google will reportedly make the switch to an 8-inch tablet to avoid stiff competition from the 7-inch sector. The Nexus 8 tablet will also come with the next Android update including advanced vision capabilities if Google becomes successful in completing the technology.
Ara Smartphone
According to a report by Heavy, Google may also debut Project Ara. This features a modular-designed smartphone expected to cost $50 upon release. The smartphone will also feature a wide range of customization options. The I/O event will be an ideal place for Google to provide a smartphone demo.
Google Glass Consumer Edition
Google has released an "Explore Edition" of its Google Glass but some tech insiders believe the company has been preparing for the release of a consumer edition. The consumer edition will be around $300 which is significantly cheaper than $1500 cost of the Explore beta variant.