Google will use a lottery to sell tickets to this year's I/O developer conference

Google has changed the way it sells tickets for its Google I/O developer conference. In 2012 and 2013, tickets sold out in 30 minutes and 49 minutes respectively. You would have thought that you were buying tickets to see Mick and the boys. But this year, Google is doing things differently. Starting April 8th and running through April 10th, anyone interested in attending Google's developer conference can register for free.

After April 10th, Google will randomly select names from the list of those who registered, and those selected will have the opportunity to attend. This year, the conference will take place on June 25th and June 26th at the Moscone Center. For those who can't attend, Google usually publishes a well-designed app that allows you to view live streams. Also, Google will be offering extended sessions with developers near you. The company said it would offer more details soon.

Tickets for the two-day event are $900 with students and teachers paying $300. To register for the lottery, you will have to sign into Google+ and authorize the payment for your ticket via Google Wallet. Your credit card will not be run through unless you win the chance to purchase a ticket. Speaking of winning the lottery, Google I/O used to be known for the freebies that Google would give out, a process that ended last year. We recall fondly the old days when you had the choice of taking a free Motorola DROID or a free Nexus One.

source: Google via Engadget