The dates for Google I/O 2015 have been set: May 28 and 29. The speculation and rumors will increase in frequency from here, as fans and developers prepare to indulge in Google's two most important days of the year.

What is Google I/O?

Google I/O is an annual conference during which Google announces its latest tools and services for developers. It's also a time for developers to declare their love for Google products in a series of inspiration speeches. They often forecast the future of the search engine company's offerings and also share information about what they're working on at the time.

Where and when will it be held and who can attend?

Google I/O 2015 will be held at San Francisco's Moscone West Convention Center, which is accessible via the city's BART subway and the MUNI Metro street cars, or via bus or the regional Caltrain rail system.

Google is offering a limited number of press passes to credentialed members of the media and there will be seats reserved for special guests. For everyone else, there's a registration lottery in which Google will randomly select applicants regardless of when they registered.

When and how to register?

The three-day window for registration opens at 9 a.m. PT on Mar. 17 and closes at 5 p.m. PT on Mar. 19. Those interested in registering from the 2015 I/O lottery can do so once registration opens.

To register, applicants will need to have a Google account. After registration goes live, applicants will need to sign into their Google accounts to begin the application process.

Why is Google I/O important?

Google I/O 2015 sets the tone for the 12 months that follow and the conference is as important to Google as the WorldWide Developers Conference is to Apple. For example, those wondering about the state of Glass or the Android Wear platform can get a feel for its future by gauging the enthusiasm of Google's top developers and engineers.

What are the options for those who can't attend?

Lottery losers, no offense, can still soak in the excitement of Google I/O 2015 by watching a live stream of the conference. Unlike Apple's events, which require Apple products to watch the streams, Google's developers conference will be available to view on all modern browsers.

For those who want to watch the stream in a large group, Google is offering an organizer's guide and may list off-site events offline to help fill seats.

Stay tuned for information on keynotes speakers and developers sandboxes.