Android adds OpenID support for simpler digital credentials

A request for access to virtual identity data as Google gives Android an OpenID upgrade to make handling digital credentials like virtual driving licences much easier and more secure.

Google has given Android an OpenID upgrade to make handling digital credentials like virtual driving licences much easier and more secure.

With native support for OpenID standards, Android apps and services can talk the same language when it comes to verifying who you are digitally.

This update uses Android's existing Credential Manager system (specifically, the DigitalCredential API) to bring in support for OpenID4VP (for showing your credentials) and OpenID4VCI (for...

1 May 2025 | Android

Google enhances Android Studio with enterprise Gemini AI tools

Google logo as the company unveils new enterprise Gemini AI tools in Android Studio, tailored to meet their privacy, security, and management demands.

Google has unveiled new enterprise Gemini AI tools in Android Studio, tailored to meet their privacy, security, and management demands.

The update aims to empower organisations by integrating AI-powered coding assistance while addressing concerns around data protection and intellectual property (IP).

Sandhya Mohan, Product Manager for Android at Google, explained: “We’ve heard that some people at businesses have additional needs that require more sensitive data...

9 April 2025 | Analytics

Google bolsters Android security for app developers and users

Google mascot with a shield on its shirt illustrating the Android platform security advancements being made by the company to protect app developers and users.

App developers in the Android ecosystem can breathe a little easier knowing that Google is doubling down on platform security.

Suzanne Frey – VP, Product, Trust & Growth for Android & Play at Google – has outlined a series of enhancements designed to make it simpler for developers to create secure apps while simultaneously fortifying the protection of the Google Play Store for millions of users worldwide.

"Knowing that you’re building on a safe, secure...

26 March 2025 | Android

Arm unleashes ASR upscaling to boost mobile gaming performance

Illustration of a rocket on a mobile device as Arm announces ASR during Game Developers Conference, an upscaling technology promising to boost mobile gaming performance without compromising fidelity and battery life.

At GDC, Arm launched ASR (Accuracy Super Resolution)—an upscaling technology promising to boost mobile gaming performance without compromising fidelity and battery life.

For years, a fundamental challenge has plagued mobile game developers: how to strike the perfect balance between visuals and performance. Thanks to ASR, that difficult choice will be less of a problem.

First announced last year, Arm ASR is now available to all mobile game developers. Plugins for both...

19 March 2025 | Android

Google introduces ‘quality tiers’ for Android widgets

Example of a widget as Google unveils Android widget “quality tiers” to help developers fine-tune their widgets into polished, user-friendly experiences.

Google is unveiling Android widget “quality tiers” to help developers fine-tune their widgets into polished, user-friendly experiences.  

“Widgets can be a powerful tool for engaging users and increasing the visibility of your app. They can also help you to improve the user experience by providing users with a more convenient way to access your app's content and features,” said the Android team.  

As Android spans a growing and diverse...

5 March 2025 | Android

CMA launches Apple and Google mobile ecosystems probe

Woman looking through a magnifying glass illustrating an investigation launched by the CMA into the mobile ecosystems of Apple and Google including the Play Store, App Store, and browsers, over market competition concerns.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched parallel investigations into Apple and Google, examining their influence over “mobile ecosystems”—the operating systems, app stores, and browsers that power smartphones and tablets.

The investigations will explore the impact of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platforms on the experiences of millions of British consumers and the viability of thousands of businesses, including app developers and those creating...

23 January 2025 | Android

Metaplay: Game development is entering a ‘Renaissance’

Depiction of people playing a game during the Renaissance illustrating a Metaplay report suggesting the gaming industry is entering a period of advancements and success following recent challenges,

Metaplay is proclaiming the beginning of a "Game Development Renaissance," heralding a new era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence driven by advances in technology, fresh approaches to creativity, and better tools and strategies.

Like the Renaissance centuries ago – which propelled leaps in art, science, and productivity – this modern iteration is creating limitless potential for game developers. Key findings from Metaplay's report bolster this vision, painting a...

17 January 2025 | Android

Software development trends and predictions for 2025

Developer using a computer with a crystal ball on the monitor illustrating predictions and trends for the software development industry in 2025.

As the world races towards 2025, Developer examines what lies ahead for software development in the new year.

Among the most pressing trends for 2025 are AI development simplification, the integration of cross-functional engineering teams, and the evolution of DevSecOps practices. These shifts promise to redefine how companies approach innovation, security, and efficiency in their development pipelines.

AI-powered development simplification

Avthar Sewrathan, AI...

19 December 2024 | Android

Android 16 Developer Preview 2: Key changes and enhancements

Android 16 logo as Google announces Developer Preview 2 of the upcoming OS that features numerous changes, features, and improvements for developers to ensure their apps are ready for the latest update to the platform.

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, offering an advanced look at upcoming features, improvements, and changes to give developers ample time for adaptation.

This latest release is focused on enhancing app experiences, improving battery life, boosting performance, and minimising compatibility issues.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in Android 16 Developer Preview 2 (DP2):

Performance improvements and debugging tools

System...

18 December 2024 | Android

Google urges Android developers to prep for 16 KB memory page

Android mascot with a jetpack as Google urges developers to prepare their apps for the 16 KB memory page size that promises future performance improvements for apps and games on the platform.

Android developers are being urged to prepare for a pivotal enhancement to the ecosystem: the adoption of a 16 KB memory page size. This upgrade promises significant benefits, with performance gains of 5–10% across apps and games.

While the transition represents a vital step forward in the evolution of Android, developers must take proactive measures to ensure compatibility with the new architecture.

For developers looking to test their apps on 16 KB-enabled devices,...

17 December 2024 | Android