As many of you in the world of Android development are aware, Google IO 2012 is almost here.  While it runs from June 27th to 29th in San Francisco, very few of you will actually be there.  Not to worry, Google will be broadcasting many of the sessions.

You may have noticed that tickets were rather difficult to come by this year.  Despite the price hike from $400 to $900, tickets sold out in no time again.  And, to add to frustrations, there were glitches again with the ordering process.  Basically, it came down to luck.

You’re not left out – watch the sessions

OK, so you’re not going to be there in person.  No problem, you can still benefit from the information.  Just tune in live to the Google IO site on Wednesday June 29th.

Or, visit your local Google Developer Group for a Google IO Extended viewing.  There are viewing parties all over the world hosted by local Google Developer Groups, where you can watch with your fellow developers (and possibly be broadcast live at the actual event).

And, of course, the videos will be up afterwards so you can watch at any time.  Don’t procrastinate too much though –  strike while the iron is hot, so to speak, to make sure you get to it.

Join the conversation

Twitter will also be full of updates – watch the #io2012 and #io12 hashtags.  The first seems to be the one tied to the IO 2012 app (and possibly more likely to be used by attendees), but both will be full of updates all week.

Invest in yourself

Even if you’re not an enthusiast for Android or other Google technology, this is a great opportunity to improve your skills and stay up to date on big developments.

The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade. -Benjamin Franklin

Oh, and we may be hearing about new releases at Google IO 2012, such as Jellybean (the next Android version) and the Nexus 7 Tablet!