Google’s Android development team is now rolling out Google Play Services 6.5 to developers, bringing a lot of new APIs to incorporate into existing applications. The latest version of Google Play services will include several new features in Google Maps, Google Drive, Google Wallet, and the recently launched Google Fit. The rollout will be made in the next few days. The previous version, 6.1, was released in September.
The Maps API now includes a map toolbar that lets users open Google Maps and get directions right away to the selected marker. Also included is a “lite mode” map option for maps that are so small that they can’t really be interacted with, like in the thumbnail.
Google Drive now lets developers add public and application private custom file properties to a Drive file, which the company says will make search queries more efficient. It also claims that Drive’s new API makes syncing Drive files easier and more battery-friendly, with the ability to control when files are uploaded based on network type and the amount of battery charge still left in phone. In addition, users can also now cancel pending uploads.
Meanwhile, Google Wallet’s API now lets developers add a “Donate with Google” button in addition to the “Buy with Google” button. Google Fit’s API update means that it is now easier for developers to support pauses in their apps or workouts with multiple activities by adding activities in “sessions,” or specific intervals of time.
Google is adding support for its health- and fitness-oriented software development kit, the Google Fit SDK. In this release of Play Services, Google says it’s making it easier to add activity segments, such as a period of walking or running, as well as to work with Google Fit in other ways.
All in all a pretty hefty update for Google Play services. The new Google Play services are on its way to Android devices as of now, though it may take a few days to hit you. Once it’s done, Google intends to make the corresponding SDK available to developers.
Source – Android Developers Blog
Google Drive now lets developers add public and application private custom file properties to a Drive file, which the company says will make search queries more efficient. It also claims that Drive’s new API makes syncing Drive files easier and more battery-friendly, with the ability to control when files are uploaded based on network type and the amount of battery charge still left in phone. In addition, users can also now cancel pending uploads.
Meanwhile, Google Wallet’s API now lets developers add a “Donate with Google” button in addition to the “Buy with Google” button. Google Fit’s API update means that it is now easier for developers to support pauses in their apps or workouts with multiple activities by adding activities in “sessions,” or specific intervals of time.
Google is adding support for its health- and fitness-oriented software development kit, the Google Fit SDK. In this release of Play Services, Google says it’s making it easier to add activity segments, such as a period of walking or running, as well as to work with Google Fit in other ways.
All in all a pretty hefty update for Google Play services. The new Google Play services are on its way to Android devices as of now, though it may take a few days to hit you. Once it’s done, Google intends to make the corresponding SDK available to developers.
Source – Android Developers Blog