Android O: Everything that you want to know about the yet to be released version

It’s that time of the year when we all start talking about the upcoming versions for Android and iOS. Yes, you got it right! The time has come to discuss Android O, the version of the OS that will be released in Google I/O in May this year. But, before the actual beta version is launched, Google has unveiled the developer’s preview version to have a basic overview of what the new version would be like.

The last beta version for Android 7 would be Android 7.1.2, post which it will be time for the release Android O beta version for developers. Currently, the builds are not ready, which is why it is not suggested to install the preview on your phones. Installing can attract quite a few bugs to your phone, and can mess with it. So, it would be better if you can wait before installing the update.

While the developer preview is available for just a few phones right now, we can always talk about what to expect in Android App Development. Here are the few things that we believe will be new and unique to Android O, which you can leverage. Nothing has been finalized as yet, and we will need to wait for Google to officially announce but, here’s our take.

Will support PIP

Wondering what is PIP? Picture-in-picture is the concept that was introduced with Android N but, that was specifically for the Android TV boxes. With Android O, this will be introduced to the phones and tablets, which means you can watch or view other windows without disturbing the one on which you are working.

To enable this, developers may need to add support factors. You will need to define the aspect ratio and introduce custom controls for the benefit. This is just something we believe will come with the new version but, we don’t know who it will work or, how developers can harness this theme.

Better notifications control

The notifications will further with Android O. There will be new themes introduced to make it better. The new version will have bundled notifications, which in turn will allow the developers to have better control over their notifications, and channelize them properly. You can even control what the app sends out a notification. Grouped notifications, as well as smarter display order, will also be seen with the new version. Cross-device sync will also be made possible with this new version.

You can now snooze the notifications, which means they will disappear for a while only to reappear. So, if you don’t want to dismiss notifications completely, you have this option.

Limit the background processes

The background processes can make your phone sadly slow, which can even hamper the performance of the apps. The need to kill your background processes led to the inclusion of doze, which was introduced with Android 7.

Android O automatically limits the sessions for the apps, ensuring they don’t update too much, which will reduce their impact on your phone’s battery life. The idea is to keep the app in the background and allow it to do what it wants, without reducing your phone’s battery life.

Miscellaneous Updates

Along with these major tweaks, you have some smaller yet very visible tweaks coming along your way too. One of it is the Neighbor Awareness Networking, which will allow devices to search and look for each other and form the bridge without the need for an AP. You can send data at high speed between the devices connected. You get support for low-power mode as well in this case. You get Audio API for the high-performance and low-latency audio.

Concluding with

The developer’s preview will be available for Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C or Pixel XL. Currently, no beta program is available. By fall 2017, we would have received a full version of the Android O operating system for a developer to start working with Android App Development Services.

These are just speculations based on the preview; only the Google I/O can tell anything about the actual version of the app. We will have to wait till May at least. We will be sharing updates as and when we receive them.

Tips to Consider While Choosing Android App Development Company

Android is an excellent and open-source platform, which allows you to reach a versatile audience, which has mixed experience expectations. Delivering a successful app to this differentiated segment may seem like an arduous task unless of course, your partner with the perfect and experienced android app development company. Searching for such a company may seem difficult; however, when you have one on-board, success is not too far for your business. How to locate a good android app development company? Let us share a few tips that we believe will guide towards the company.

Go for a global search

Most of us believe that the development company that will understand our needs and provides them is located next door. That’s a wrong belief! You need to expand your horizon and go for a global search when it comes to hiring a good android app development company. It will give you more choices in terms of experience and budget. This has been made possible with technology; so, why be bound by limited choices?

Are there developers who can be your guide?

Not all developers can help you through “best-fit for your app” suggestions. You need to identify the team or company that will not just deliver your needs but also help you with choosing the right solutions for your business needs. They will help you through what will work for your app, the features, and the design suggestions, and will give you a successful output. They don’t deliver; they actually partner for a successful outcome.

List out your requirements

When you have no idea what you want in your app or what you want to achieve from your app, it becomes impossible to arrive at the right solution. You should do a requirement study and define the app outline for the perfect solution. When you are clear with your app needs, it becomes easy for the developer to proceed with the solution.

Is the development company experienced?

An experienced developer will be able to pull out any kind of solution, as they have knowledge, expertise and the right attitude required for quality solutions. You should ideally look for the type of projects they have done, and the quality they have given in each of these projects. This will help you know if they are the right choice for your company or not.

Time your app development

A deadline is important for both sides. If you don’t work on a deadline, the developer may take ages to finish your work, and in some cases, even after months, you don’t have an app in hand. This means you will be late in making a move into the market, which can result in someone else edging ahead of you. A good deadline, which is both practical and sufficient, can help you achieve your goals and stay ahead in the market.

How good is their company’s communication?

When you start working with the company or, even initiating the process, the first thing you get to know is how good they are with their communication. Do they respond to the emails fast? Are they attentive? This will help you know if going further they will maintain good communication or not. If they communicate often and enough, they are reliable. If they answer your questions in the right amount of words and give you satisfactory responses, hire them. They will keep you in the loop and carry out the work efficiently.

Do they offer revenue consultation?

If you have a mobile app idea in mind but, you don’t have a growth strategy or revenue idea in mind, then you need someone who you can consult for the same. If your app development company provides this consultation and helps you with revenue strategies, then there’ no better deal in place. You should hire them immediately.

Always go for quality solutions

This may sound like a cliché but, it is necessary we add it here too. If you look for affordable solutions alone, you will miss out on the quality promises that will help you get the right reach and increased conversions. You should always choose quality over affordability, as you will reach your revenue goals if you have a quality app in hand.

Is the developer technically sound?

The technical knowledge of your developer is important. If they are aware of the latest mobile technologies and trends in Android app development, they will be able to give you an app that is relevant for the current consumers and operating systems. You should also check the approach they use to deliver a solution for your business.

Do they work on building relationships?

You will need the developer’s support whenever you use the app. They should help you with support and maintenance. For this, you should work on building a long-lasting relationship with your developer. See if you two can work on partnering with each other instead of having a one-project relationship.

Define the goal and scope of the app

A mobile app scales with changing trends and needs of the consumer. You may want to incorporate the latest trends as well as the updates to your app. Before hiring the mobile app development company, make sure you communicate the evolving scope that they will need to support and seek the quotation for the same.

Check for coding certification

You should look for companies that have the coding certifications and other credentials which make them credible and authentic. This will also say a lot about their knowledge and expertise. These certifications offer great value.

Summing it up

It is important to hire the right partner when planning to get an Android app development company for your business. You should be thorough with your needs and should be able to communicate it properly with the development company. Before calling for quotations, make sure you have done a thorough check of the capabilities and credentials of the company, as they speak volumes about how successful the app will be.