Larry Page speaks at Google I/O, day after revealing voice ailment
Just a day after taking to Google+ to reveal a vocal-cord ailment that has kept him out of the public eye, Google CEO Larry Page took to the stage at the Google I/O conference Wednesday and spoke for nearly an hour.
Appearing before independent developers and tech reporters, Page talked about the potential of technology, keeping the industry open and the future of Google. In an unusual move for a tech company, Page also took questions from the audience to close the conference keynote.
The CEO talked in a soft, monotone voice that was obviously strained. But his presence and ability to speak for such an extended period of time may reassure investors about his ability to lead and run Google. Some company shareholders had expressed concerns after Page missed Google I/O last year as well as the company’s 2012 annual meeting.
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Page, who co-founded Google in the 1990s, revealed on Google+ on Tuesday that two bad colds -- the first 14 years ago and the second last year -- had damaged his vocal cords, making it difficult for him to speak and breathe. But he said he has since recovered somewhat.
On Wednesday, Page mentioned his medical condition only in passing, saying that after his post Tuesday he had received many nice comments and that he wished he had made the disclosure earlier.
The CEO went on stage after a handful of Google’s product managers announced new updates and services.
“I cannot wait to see what comes next,” he said. “I got goose bumps as I watched some of those presentations.”
Among the new and updated products Google announced were a revamped Google Maps, a new Google Music subscription service, a new messaging app, a large number of updates to the Google+ social network and a feature for Google search that lets users search with their voice in a conversational manner.
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