Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Google IO 2014 Features and aspects to look forward to

Google IO 2014 Features and aspects to look forward to


From Android One to Googles most ambitious release yet � Android L, this year�s Google IO has left us with a number of aspects to look forward to.

Android One � The Next Five Billion

Google might have leap frogged over the last couple to years to be one of the most notable smartphone OS giant. From 77-million (2011) to 223-million (2012) to 528-million (2013) � Google Android is witnessing more than double the sales with each passing year.

While smartphone users account for well over a billion users there are still 5-billion worldwide who don�t have access to a smartphone. Android One is Google�s solution to reach out to the next 5-billion users. It is an ecosystem specifically designed to help local hardware vendors build better and affordable smartphones. Moreover, the search giant will prequalify a number of vendors who will then be allowed to build around this solution. Bloatware will take a back stage with Android One as all devices manufactured under this ecosystem will feature Google�s stock Android. Spice, Karbonn and Micromax are the three manufacturers who have been roped into this new ecosystem.

Android L

Google�s next OS update will, well, be non-other than the mentioned Android L. While the term �L� isn�t exactly what it will be called, the company gave users around the world a glimpse of what to expect. First off, the new talked about OS is more mature and streamlined than it has ever been. Everything about the Android operating system has seen an enhancement in some way or another. So let�s start off with one of the biggest changes that will be seen in the next iteration of Android.
Android L Developer SDK - http://developer.android.com/preview/index.html

Material Design


With material design Google plans to make their OS bolder, colorful with a rich set of animations. Android L will bring a fresh new look to an otherwise flat painted OS. The new UI comes with an added quadrant which provides a unique perspective to both designers and users alike. For instance, in mathematical terms there always is a horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) plain, which basically gives you the width and height of any object. The extra quadrant (Z) here signifies depth or elevation across all Google enabled devices or apps. So what you get is an interface that is intuitive, well-spaced, aesthetically colorful and rippled with a set of well-conceived animated feedback. Material Design is not only limited to smartphone and tablets but will be made available across all Google enabled segments.

Enhanced Notifications

Now, rather than having to open your look screen to access notifications, Android L will now display them on the lock screen itself. You can just swipe down to get a detailed view of each notification or swipe across to remove. Moreover, the also learns and prioritizes those notifications you will likely respond to. 
There is a new heads up display which has been added too (though this has been existent on custom ROMs for a very long time). For instance, a call notification will hover over whatever you are doing rather than have you exit the app to answer; allowing you to either swipe across or dismiss the incoming call. 

Personal Unlocking & Recents
With Android L users can set specific access points as trusted. Access points could be anything from a Wi-Fi enabled router to a Bluetooth enabled device or even location specific. Your phone automatically unlocks whenever it comes within range of such predefined access points.

With the new recents update, applications will now be able to store multiple pages within the recent app menu. This basically eliminates the need to juggle between webpages you currently visited using Chrome.


Improved Performance and ART 

ART will now be the default Runtime in Android L. Expect twice the performance over Dalvik along with 64-bit compatibility in the upcoming L.

In addition Graphics Processing or GPU have also been enhanced. Google has thrown in an Android Extension Pack, allowing game developers make use of tessellation, geometry shaders, computer shadrers and lighting, thus making graphics more realistic and comparable to DirectX 11.



Project Volta


With a rich number of features the battery life is always the number one concern with Android users. With project Volta, Android L is said to feature a Battery Historian, which will basically provide in-depth detail of battery consuming processes. Also etched into Project Volta is a new Power Saving Mode which is said to enhance battery life by cutting down on the performance.





Android Auto

With a redesigned interface Android Auto has been designed to specifically carry out tasks that users generally do while driving. This will include, Turn-by-Turn navigation, Communication and Music � all this and more without getting your hands off the steering wheel. 40 new partners and the Open Automotive Alliance have signed up for the Android Auto experience with 25 car brands planning to bring in Auto enabled cars sometime this year.

You can also choose to watch the keynote below provided you have two and a half hours to spare. Key time-frames have been provided below so you wont need to hunt for specific sections.