Android

Take Away From Google I/O 2013

The time was when Google developer conferences buzzed around Google Maps, Web tool kit, etc. But from the last conference onwards, the limelight was on Android and Chrome in that order. Perhaps the humongous opportunity resting in smartphones has sunk deep into Google. A fact acknowledged by Larry Page himself when he quipped that he would like to run the company via his smartphone.

Google has sought to integrate its other products with Android and update them in Android without updating Android to match their incompatibility.

Article Summary Show

Updates

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Android aficionados see a silver lining out of the limited Android updates. Blogs are rife with how features introduced from this edition don’t necessarily need an update in the OS. It provides fodder for agreement as the basic premise for changing an OS version is to enable it to play all the applications, be it ancient or futuristic.

The various versions and configurations (of individual mobile hardware companies like Samsung, HTC, Sony, etc.) of Android were creating considerable firewalls to updating even the proprietary Google apps, apps that provide the quintessential Android experience. Google via its feature update, effectively tackles the problem of fragmentation as Google+, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Play, apps that are present in Android from versions Froyo onwards well as Google Music All Access that are to be introduced now can all reside in versions Froyo onwards without the need of an update. It seems the issue of fragmentation has been hopefully nailed.

Android Studio: this update does have the name android stamped on it! Meaning, it is Android-specific. Google plans to introduce Android Studio to replace the existing Eclipse developer environment for Android apps. Google collaborated with JetBrains to create the Android Studio. Of course, this development has some loose ends to tie up, yet Google feels this IDE, when launched, would help Android developers increase their productivity. Here’s how it could help:

Click the “Generate” button multiple times until you can find posts suitable to be used as interlinks of this post.

It combines the capabilities of Maven and Ant to build flexible and variedly flavored solutions.

Excellent code editing capabilities, including finding inline resources and Android-specific customizations. It is boosted by advanced editor UI that enables drag-drop of widgets, simulate output view in different hardware configurations, and even preview while editing in XML.

Provides the deep analytical capability to identify all sorts of bugs

Provides wizards based on preset templates and also access to other Google services.

Provides for easy migration of Eclipse projects (as export) or import into Studio (of existing Eclipse IDE projects).

Like Android OS, Google has made Android Studio free and open-source, which could be the sweetener.

Google Play: Android developers can use the Google Play services to procure the desired APIs to construct maps, games, or social media (read Google+) on Android devices (mobiles or tablets).

Gaming: entertainment is moving to handheld devices by droves, putting a premium on providing the same user experience as in computer/gaming console. Google has stepped up the user experience by introducing the following features:

Leaderboards: a maximum of 100 leaderboards, both public and social, is provided to enable developers to engage users by letting them compare scores with other players. Leaderboards are created automatically for daily, weekly, monthly, or customized versions.

Rewards system: developers can reward users for engaging in the game by providing standard or incremental achievements that can be viewed in a user interface. They can use the developer consoles to control the achievements.

Google provides the Cloud Saving APIs to save game status and settings on the cloud.

Developers can allow users to invite other players to the game or play with random users with the maximum limit pegged at 4.

Google facilitates the development of location-aware apps by providing the following APIs:

Geofencing APIs: this API is used to define geographical boundaries. It also provides the following options:

to create alert filters for customers exiting a particular area

alter updates of location in response to locomotion habit(like walking, riding, or driving)of the customer (see Activity recognition API)

add or delete geographical boundaries

Fused location provider: this API uses an underlying schema to provide the apt results to your query on locations, even complex level queries. It is quick, versatile, and utilizes lesser battery power.

Activity recognition provider: this API uses power sensors to detect the customer’s current activity, for example, driving, walking, riding, idling, etc. This is used in tandem with the Geofencing API to provide the apt updates to the customer.

Single Sign-on via Google+: accounting for the fact that users change mobile devices often and that these devices may run a different OS, Google provides the API to sign in via Google+ on any device. This obliterates the need to make services like Google Wallet, Games, Plus device-specific. There are libraries for these services that respond to the auto-sign request using their method.

Google Cloud Messaging: Google has made it possible to register apps using its Single Method. It also provides messaging to 3rd party servers via its bi-directional messaging (XMPP) using Cloud Connection Server. Users can synchronize notifications across devices using Google’s APIs for user notification.

Google Play Developer Console: Google has been supporting its huge Android developer community and this year’s conference added the fillip to it.

App Translation Service: The localization support team from Google enables you to avail of translation services for a nominal fee and post the strings to be translated in your chosen language. If required, it prompts the apt localization sting in the app graphics, APK, or the About the product sections. This eventually helps developers reach out to a wider audience.

Analytics and Monetization: Keep track of the performance of an app just become easier. Google Play and Google Analytics provide complementing services like app views and downloads and engagement metrics.

Google has introduced the order status API to let developers view an in-app from their servers. It has also decided not to charge test accounts for in-app test purchases.

Alpha and Beta testing and Staged Rollouts: Google has added the alpha-beta testing to let developers split their apps into two versions, alpha and beta, and get them tested by different user groups. If needed, testers for Google+ can also be added to test these versions.

Developers can henceforth roll-out updates only to their apps to a batch of users to gauge their feedback. Developers can set the percentage of users who would be using the update.

Verdict

Perhaps for those expecting Android only chants at the Google I/O 2013, it might be a dampener. But for those familiar with the maverick that Google is will vouch for the shrewd way it’s gone about indulging the Android community. Updates to Google Play, its services, the Android Studio launch, cloud messaging, and the ability to sign into Google services sans OS or hardware requirements are significant game-changers. In short, it is about updating features sans the need to update OS.

About author

I work for WideInfo and I love writing on my blog every day with huge new information to help my readers. Fashion is my hobby and eating food is my life. Social Media is my blood to connect my family and friends.
    Related posts
    Android

    Realme 2, Realme C1 get hold of strong Android Pie-primarily based ColorOS 6 replace

    Android

    Android apps you shouldn’t leave out this week

    Android

    Source: The Motorola One Vision is an Android One telephone with the Exynos 9610

    Android

    Android 6.0 Marshmallow

    Sign up for our newsletter and stay informed !