The next big update of Android – its latest flavour for version 7.0, Nougat, was released last month among much fanfare and expectation. Compared to the past updates, there isn’t much novelty in terms of appearance with the new update as with this version Google is preparing the platform for anticipated future developments. From the developer’s perspective, there are some fine changes that will affect mobile application development. We take a look at 4 aspects that will be relevant to app developers.
1. Expandable Notifications
The new notification style has become slightly complicated with the latest update compared to what it was on the 5.0 Lollipop and 6.0 Marshmallow versions. With the new version, extending the previous post-it notifications, user can expand the notification and view the entire message before acting upon it. For instance, when a Gmail notification appears, next to it will be a drop-down arrow, which if the user clicks, s/he can view all unread email headlines. Also, many notifications can be responded without opening the applications making the apps better integrated with the Android ecosystem. For Android developers, this new update means paying special attention to UI-front to ensure the Android look-and-feel remains intact without taking away from the app-identity.
2. Data Saver Controls
The Data Saver feature has become more elaborate, giving greater control to users. In place of the former on/off for background data, users can not choose which apps can access data connection when the screen is off. This will not only save mobile data, but also battery life. Data Saver further offers control on how to access notifications, thus restricting applications from functioning in an unregulated manner while the screen is timed out.
3. JIT over AOT
Google has switched from the former ART compiler to the new JIT compiler, which will greatly alter how apps are installed, loaded and run. The Just-in-time system compiles apps on need-bases in place of the ahead-of-time compiler that was being used. This will help apps run smoothly on devices with limited RAM, thus not compromise on speed or device performance.
4. Vulkan API
Vulkan is a new graphics API that will completely utilise device hardware for app or game coding. The new API provides more direct hardware control and offers better performance and less reliance on particular GPU types. Vulkan is a cross-platform API that can be used on Windows, Linux and SteamOS too. This will greatly influence the development model adopted by Android developers; it will be great news especially for gaming applications.
Android app development henceforth will have security as a central aspect and the Material Design sensibilities at its core. The new update gives a great glimpse of what’s in store for future course that Android will take and hence from the mobile developers perspective it is a phenomenal update.
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