Google has announced the latest version of their mobile OS, Android M, at their Google IO Developer conference. The new OS is set to launch later in the year, promising a range of enhancements and new features that aim to significantly improve the user experience.
The search giant has now released the Android M Developer Preview for developers. According to Google, Android M is designed to improve the core user experience of their mobile OS, focusing on performance, usability, and security.
Key Features and Improvements
Android M is the most powerful Android release yet, with hundreds of improvements made to the platform. Among the highlights, we’ve improved battery life and streamlined permissions for apps to make it easier for you to decide what information the apps on your phone can use. We previewed Android Pay, which lets you pay for things with your phone, without even opening an app. And we’re making it much easier to find information in apps, as well as making some important updates to Google Now (more on that below!).
One of the standout features of Android M is the improved battery life. Google has introduced a new feature called Doze, which uses motion detection to put the device into a deeper sleep state when it’s not being used. This can significantly extend battery life, especially for devices that are left idle for long periods.
Another major improvement is the streamlined app permissions. In previous versions of Android, users had to accept all app permissions at once when installing an app. With Android M, permissions are requested at the time they are needed, giving users more control over what information apps can access. For example, a messaging app will ask for access to your contacts only when you try to share a contact.
Android Pay and Google Now Enhancements
Android M also introduces Android Pay, a new mobile payment system that allows users to pay for goods and services with their phone. Unlike other payment systems, Android Pay does not require users to open an app to make a payment. Instead, they can simply unlock their phone and tap it to a payment terminal. This feature is designed to make mobile payments faster and more convenient.
Google Now, Google’s intelligent personal assistant, has also received significant updates in Android M. One of the most notable enhancements is Now on Tap, which provides contextual information based on what’s currently on your screen. For example, if you’re reading an email about a movie, you can long-press the home button to get information about the movie, including reviews, showtimes, and even the option to buy tickets.
Additionally, Android M includes improvements to app linking, which allows apps to open content directly without needing to ask the user which app to use. This makes the user experience more seamless and intuitive.
Developers can now download the Android M Developer Preview to start testing their apps with the new features and improvements. This early access allows developers to ensure their apps are compatible with the new OS and take advantage of the new capabilities.
You can find out more information about Android M and also the developer preview version of the software over at Google at the link below.
Source Google
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