Oh, I/O had plenty of announcements and stats – music, Chrome, Android momentum. But the real eye popping watermark the conference keeps raising year after year is the “schwag” attendees qualify for.
“Google I/O 2008 had one Keynote speech, and Android phones were a presentation, not a giveaway. For Google I/O 2009, every attendee received a “Google Ion” phone, which was a special edition HTC Magic running Android 1.5. Last year, every attendee received one of two Android phones, a Nexus One or a Motorola DROID, before the conference even began. Then at the second day keynote, they were told they’d get a not-yet-released-to-the-public HTC Evo 4G as well.’
This year’s event – last week – brought a yet unreleased Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android tablet (photo), a Verizon 4G/LTE mobile hotspot, a developer version of the LG Optimus 3D (a 3D glasses-free smartphone), Sony Ericsson Xperia Play smartphone and who knows what else.
Party pooper question : Since many of these are Japanese and Korean and Taiwanese companies, do people have to fill out IRS Form 3520 – Gifts from a Foreign Person? Think not – appears to fall under the inflation adjusted 14K minimum the IRS site shows. But the way I/O schwag keeps growing, keep an eye out. Check with your tax adviser anyways. Also, check with your corporate ethics officer. Many companies have restrictions on accepting gifts over $ 50.
But the expectation of even better schwag means next year’s event may sell out in 5 minutes. This year’s took a whole hour! Talk about another industry benchmark…
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