As one of Google IO 2010 conference attendees, I've been wondering what Google had up its sleeve for this year's big gift. The price of the conference last year was sweetened with a free Android phone given to everyone attending, and I was hoping this year wouldn't be an exception, secretly hoping for a Nexus One or even better - a pre-release version of a brand new phone.

My wishes came true a few minutes ago when I received an email from Google informing me that all registered conference attendees would be getting a free phone sent to them before the conference even begins.

This Year's Gift

International guests will get a free Nexus One while US ones will get their hands on a Motorola Droid.

Here is the text of the email:

Hi Artem,
This year’s Google I/O is less than 2 months away, and we’re very excited that you and over 4,000 other developers will be joining us in San Francisco. During the 2-day conference, you’ll have over 90 sessions to choose from and the opportunity to meet with developers from over 170 companies that will be demoing their apps and talking in-depth about their use of Google technologies in the Developer Sandbox.
As you might have guessed, Android will have a big presence at this year’s event. To make sure you’re equipped to make the most of your Android experience during Google I/O, we’d like to mail you a Verizon Droid by Motorola before the event.
Bring your Android device to Google I/O
Instead of having you spend time picking up and registering the device during the conference, we want you to be able to get started ASAP. Here are the different ways in which we’re hoping you’ll use the device you receive:
Get to know the Android SDK
Use the device to get started on your first (or next!) Android app using the latest SDK. You’ll find a ton of helpful info at developer.android.com, including the Developer’s Guide. We hope you have new apps or working prototypes by the time of I/O. That way, you’ll be able to get feedback on your app from other developers, including members of the Android team who’ll be leading in-depth sessions and answering attendees’ technical questions during Office Hours (the schedule will be published on code.google.com/io in April).
Put your device to work at I/O
To encourage active use of your device, we’re amplifying cellular and wireless coverage inside Moscone West, and charging stations will be available for anyone to use. We hope you’ll:

  • Get I/O info on your device: Before May 19th, we’ll send out details on how to download a conference app that we’re building now. During I/O, you can use the app to instantly access I/O session details and more.
  • Download apps: Over 40 companies will be demoing the latest and greatest apps available in the Android Market. Check out their demos in the Developer Sandbox, download new apps, and take them for a test drive.
  • Participate in SCVNGR: We’re collaborating with SCVNGR to produce a location-based mobile game for Google I/O that’ll have you hunting for QR codes hidden throughout the events.

To receive your Android device:
Click the form link below, read the terms and conditions of the offer and fill out the form with your preferred shipping address so we know where you’d like to receive your device. All preferred shipping addresses must be submitted no later than April 18th.

Submit your preferred shipping address

You’ll receive your device 2 to 4 weeks from the day you provide your shipping address.
To learn more about this giveaway for Google I/O, visit our FAQ page. If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website, please send an email to googleio2010-gift@google.com.
Thanks for your support of Google’s developer initiatives and for registering for Google I/O. We look forward to seeing you in May!
Sincerely,
The Google I/O Team

As a California resident, I will therefore be getting a Motorola Droid which I will not hook up to Verizon and instead use to write Android and specifically Droid related content for the site. Thank you, Google!

The Google IO Conference

Google IO offers two days of deep technical content featuring Android, Google Chrome, Google APIs, GWT, App Engine, open web technologies, and more.

It features 80 sessions, more than 3,000 developers, and over 100 demonstrations from developers showcasing their technologies. Attendees will be able to directly interface with engineers building the next generation of web, mobile, and enterprise applications.

P.S. I wish there was a way to get a Nexus One for Sprint instead but unfortunately it will not be available until Summer 2010, and Google is not really offering a choice here anyway.