Google Announces First Android O Developer Preview

There is a new announcement by Google on Tuesday for developers about launching of the first developer preview of Android O. As Google always keeps transparency in announcements of new versions before its release, similarly, this time also it has made the announcement of the Developer Preview of Android O. (It is yet not sure about meaning of O, but seems like Android Oreo).

In this version, the key focus is on the amendment of the core features of the operating system and not about only the renovating of a major UI. This developer preview assists developers to gaze about what Android O offers which helps them to build their future apps more compatible using design guidelines and the new APIs. Thus, developers can get acquainted about its new set of features. This next OS version will be available in the market around the third quarter of 2017. One more important thing about Android O is that this is especially for developers only and one can download, if he/she becomes a developer.

Know about the new features of Android O for the developer preview

Google has mentioned a gamut of new features as well as APIs in this new OS version which includes new notification channels, a picture-in-picture mode, adaptive launcher icons, Wi-Fi Aware and many more. Here, in this blog, we will discuss about the new features of Android O:

Notification Channels

This new feature helps in offering an integrated system in order to assist users to manage their notifications using the app-defined categories for notification substance. It allows developers to make a notification channel for different type of notification separately that they can send or response choices made by the app users. For instance, it facilitates developers to make separate notification channels in a messaging app for each group. Thus, now notification contents have visuals, app-defined categories and grouping. User can easily manage notification channels.

Background Limits

This new feature of Android O will helps in boost battery life and increase device performance. It will automatically limit some areas such as background services, implicit broadcasts and location updates. It makes possible for developers to build apps having less impact on battery and device with an increase in its performance results in developing efficient android apps.

Picture-in-picture (PIP) Mode

Now, PIP mode is also available in your smart phones and tablets as available in televisions. It makes possible for users to make chatting or mailing or uses other app and watch video in the same window, simultaneously. It allows setting the aspect ratio and custom interaction, such as play or pausing.

Autofill APIs

This made auto filling of login details easy and fast. With support of this API, it allows autofill apps to work in a similar manner that a keyboard app performs. It also supports third-party autofill apps. Developers can use this API, if they require autofill in their app.

Connectivity

Just like the LDAC codec, High-quality Bluetooth audio codecs are supported by Android O. Its latest Wi-Fi features comprise Wi-Fi Aware. It has also extended ConnectionService APIs that permit to third party calling apps to collaborate with the system UI and operate with other audio apps, impeccably. Thus, such useful features make possible on supported devices, nearby devices and apps can locate and communicate using Wi-Fi without the need of an Internet access point.

Adaptive Icons

This new feature of Android O enables to display adaptive icons in a variety of shapes in different models and devices. It also animates interactions using the icons and allows making use of the icons in setting, shortcut, sharing dialogs, overview screen, etc.

Wide-gamut color for apps

This long time awaited feature is finally implemented by Google. It makes possible for imaging apps to be optimized for new devices having a capability of a wide-gamut color capable display. In order to display wide gamut images, it require for an app to load bitmaps having an embedded wide color profile.

Keyboard Navigation

This consistent and much expected model for the navigation of “arrow” and “tab” will be very helpful for both developers as well as end users as mentioned by Google.

Android O proffers several other significant features that comprise Font resources in XML, Java 8 Language APIs & runtime optimizations, WebView enhancements, Audio API for Pro Audio and several others. It also includes an updated SDK with system images in order to test on the Android Emulator and other devices such as Nexus 5X/6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel/C/XL devices. Moreover, developers who building for wearables can utilize an emulator on Android O for testing of Android Wear 2.0, now.

Conclusion

With an announcement of Google about its Launch of the first developer preview of Android O, it facilitates developers to build android apps with more powerful features and functionalities that give the user best experience of its usage. The key focus of Google is to facilitate users with more choices as well as enhance battery life and increase the performance of the device in order to gain benefits of technology. With this next generation OS, Android App Development companies can develop highly advanced apps help their customers in gaining productivity and profitability using technology advantage.

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Mehul Rajput is the CEO & Director of MindInventory. With a visionary mindset, he harnesses his techno-commercial skills and extensive industry experience to empower cross-functional teams. Under his exceptional leadership, the team consistently delivers cutting-edge digital solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of global clients. His commitment to operational excellence has positioned the company as a leader in the field of Digital Transformation, driving innovation and success in every endeavor.