Google doling out $500 to all I/O attendees for app building

Google I/O has become somewhat infamous for its gear giveaways, which in the past have ranged from a Samsung Galaxy Nexus to a Chromebook Pixel.

This year the standard fare for all attendees was a little more low key while also promoting the Internet giant's agenda in the wearable technology space.

All attendees were given the choice between an LG G Watch or a Samsung Gear smartwatch -- not to mention the promise of a Moto 360 dropped in the mail later this summer.

Google also went a little more basic on its digital eyewear.

Some people might consider it a downgrade from Glass, but keynote attendees were also treated to cardboard kits that could be repurposed as virtual reality headsets intended to rival soon-to-be-Facebook-owned Oculus Rift VR at a fraction of the price.

Turns out that wasn't the only parting gift Mountain View had in store.

After I/O already closed, Google sent out an email to all attendees on Friday, announcing it would be awarding all I/O participants $500 in seed credit to build web or mobile apps.

The catch is that the apps will need to be built on the Google Cloud Platform.

The credit is only valid for new accounts and expire three months after redemption. Google also specified the credit cannot be used for cryptocurrency mining.

To get started, attendees can apply online with the promotional code, "GoogleIO."