Android I/O: What’s new and how it will affect app development?

Android I/O 2018 saw several new updates to the operating system and a few new releases too. Android P, the new operating system, Kotlin updates and an upgrade to the OK Google were some of the key takeaways of the event, which will help developers create trendy and functional apps with features that will enhance user experience.

We will discuss here, the features that have redefined app development for the developers.

The Machine Learning Kits

We have been seeing a lot of start-ups and entrepreneurs trying to incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence into the apps for deep thinking abilities, understanding the human behaviour and deriving insights therein. With Google’s ML kits, this would become easy for the developers. It is a software development kit, using which; developers can add AI powered features to their apps such as text recognition, face detection, enabling live locations, barcode scanning etc. The kits can be used to derive advantage both online and offline, and are used for real-time access of data offline. It is OS-agnostic, which makes it even more useful for the developers.

The Android Jetpack

This is yet another update that will act as a game changer for the Mobile App Development Services. This new update will help manage the background tasks, and also with lifecycle management, which means you will experience fewer crashes and less memory leaks as a user. The tools and design guidelines that come as part of the Jetpack will help accelerate the development, make complex tasks easier and help with robust designs. Work management, Android KTX, Navigation and Slices are part of the newly launched Jetpack. We will discuss both the Slices and Navigation in detail in here.

• Slices:This will be the game changer for engagement and user experience. With more real estate available for developers, they can make the users stay around and use the app for a longer time. So, how does this work? The slices will actually provide a small and interactive piece of your app along different areas within the operating system. This feature is part of Android P. For now, it will be a part of the search feature. For instance, if someone searches for a particular type of brand online, a UI template from an app will be rendered in the search. With a few clicks, the user can complete the task intuitively and in an intelligent fashion. The developers can use pre-built templates for the slices or develop the slices for an app from the scratch.
• Navigation:We are now talking about gesture based navigation, which will again be a game changer for the Android apps. Android P allows you to change your settings to gestures. What happens with this change? The way you access the apps you used will change. You can see the frequently used apps, without actually moving through the app list.

Instant Apps

The instant apps will be available to all game developers. They had done a test run of this feature on select developers, and have finally decided to launch it for everyone. App discoverability and the conversion rates therein will receive a positive impact as a result. The main purpose of this would be to give your users a chance to use the game before downloading it. You engage them, and you win their loyalty in the long run.

Of course, this does not change the need for app store optimization and user acquisition strategies. This will add to these strategies, and help you increase the conversions for your app.

Android app bundle

This is another positive development for developers with the Android I/O. This feature will allow users to install your apps and use them but, in smaller sizes. This means the performance will be better and the space occupied by it will be far less than the normal app size. The feature will help you penetrate the newer markets and gain engagement.

Google Duplex

Android has finally moved from Ok Google to having an assistant that will conduct real conversations. So, whether it is calling a salon for the appointment or having a table reserved at your favourite diner, the Google Duplex will be your assistant. If integrated into apps, it can actually help in gaining insights and improving conversions. This will be an excellent add-on to the machine learning kit devised for the developers.

Summing up the Android I/O

The event has left a positive impact on the developers, and has actually offered them features that they can use to benefit the users and enhance user experience. If they combine a few features, they would be able to get A-grade solutions for the business, and help scale the business.

If you are looking for Android app Solutions for your business, and want to improve your conversion rates, connect with Seashore Partners. We offer top-notch mobile solutions that are in sync with your needs.