Android N Developer Preview 3 includes VR mode, background updates, new multi-tasking features and more

Google at it I/O 2016 conference revealed several new feature to the Android N version, that will be available in the new Developer Preview 3, as well as new features that will be available later. Google said that the Android N Developer Preview 3 is the first beta-quality candidate that can be tested on your primary smartphones.

Starting with performance, Android N Developer Preview 3 brings improved graphics and run-time performance. With the addition of Vulkan API, Google promises for better graphic performance in Android N. Also the JTI compiler in the update is said to work faster to improve software performance.

To make Android more productive, Android N now features a much easier multi-tasking including quick-switching between apps, multi-windows support and better notifications. Quick Switch feature works by double-tapping the recent app buttons, while you can now launch multi-window by long-pressing recent buttons. Google has added a 'Clear all' icon to the task switched button, which will automatically remove the apps from recent apps. There will also be a picture-in-picture mode (PIP) that will be limited to Android TVs only.

As for security, the enhancements include file-based encryption and seamless updates, which means devices running Android N can install system updates in the background.

VR will also be a big part of Android N. The main highlight for this is a hardware and software platform called Daydream. Android N will also include a special VR mode as well. Phones that are VR-ready will let VR contents including app and games access the mode directly.

Other Android N Developer Preview 3 features include Launcher Shortcuts, which will be released in summer; Android Pay; all-new Google Keyboard Themes; new power notification control; manual exposure added to camera app and as expected bring new system wallpapers. Google has also removed 'Night Mode' option from System UI Tuner. Also included in the update is actionable notification, which lets users to reply directly from chat notification.

Android N Developer Preview 3 is now available for Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G on the Android developer website. You can also get it through Android Beta Program. The Android N final build will release in Q3 2016. 

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Google's Instant Apps lets you use Android apps without downloading them

Google at it I/O 2016 event announced Instant Apps platform, that lets you run a particular app without the need of installation.

With Instant Apps, users can open any app by just tapping on a link even if the app is not installed on the device. You can also access apps from search, social media, messaging and other deep links without installing the app first. Although the app isn't installed on your device, Google claims that users will be able to use it just like a native app. You will also be able to pay for a item or service with Instant Apps.

Instant Apps feature is compatible with Android Jelly Bean OS and above, so that majority of Android users can access the feature. Currently, Google has worked with partner developers such as BuzzFeed, B&H Photo, Medium, Hotel Tonight, Zumpe and Disney.

The Android Instant Apps feature will be available to users later this year. 

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Google Play Store gets Play Early Access feature, two new apps: Play Console and Playbook

Google recently rolled out an update to Play Store, that made it easier for users to enroll into beta-testing various apps, which have not reached production stage.

Now at Google I/O in order to help app developer find beta testers for the apps, Google has added a new category called Google Play Early Access n the Play Store. This category will show list of hand-picked open betas that you can opt into. Google also announced that open betas will now appear on Google Play search. These feature will make finding beta apps much easier. You will also be able to send  feedback through your Play store listing as well.

Google also announced two new Play apps called Play Console and Playbook. The Play Console app lets you get access to app data such as installs, uninstalls, crashes and ratings. The app also offers push notifications to notify you crucial business update, like when your app update is live on Google Play. The Playbook app on the other hand has curated articles and videos based on your objectives, from Google experts, that will help to develop your first app. Both apps are in beta stage.

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Google Play Store, Android apps are coming to Chrome

Earlier several reports indicated that Google plans to merge its Chrome OS with Android, and recently in the developer version of ChromeOS there was an option to run Android apps on it. Now Google has confirmed that it bring Android apps and Google Play Store to Chrome OS. The announcement was not official, but was spotted in session description on the I/O event website that confirms Android apps are coming to Chrome OS. The description reads, 

"Today we announced that we’re adding the best mobile app experiences in the world, Android apps and the Google Play store, to the best browser in the world, Chrome! Come to this session and test your Android apps for Chrome OS. You will get hands on help from our friendly engineers on how to optimize your Android app for Chromebooks. Oh, and we will also be giving the first 50 developers to show up a free Chromebook so they can get a head start bringing their apps to Chrome!" 

The description suggests that developers will have to tweak their Android apps, in order to make them run on Chromebooks. With the new feature, Chromebooks will soon be able to get access to Play Store and download Android apps. Note that Android apps for desktops can be accessed via Play Store and developers won;t have to add them to Chrome Web Store. Currently a couple of Android apps like Duolingo, Evernote, Sight words and Vine are able to run on Chromebooks thanks to App Runtime for Chrome (ARC).

Google is expected to make the official announcement at today’s “Bring your Android app to Chrome OS” session of the I/O developer conference. 

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Google announces Android-powered mobile VR platform Daydream

Google at its annual developer conference (Google I/O 2016) introduced a new VR platform called ‘Daydream’, built for smartphones, headset & controllers, and apps. It is combination of both hardware and software, and a giant leap from Google's affordable VR headset Cardboard.

Unlike Google Cardboard, which worked with any device, Daydream will work only with phones which have pre-requisite components built-in. The Daydream platform is built on top of Android N.

As for the headset, Google Daydream features a new VR headset with a strap, along with a controller with two buttons and a touchpad. The controller offers several functions including wand, a pointer, a fishing rod depending on VR experience. Google will initially manufacture the headset and controller itself, but provide reference design so that third-party manufacturers can build their own device.

In addition, Google is also adding Android VR mode to compatible smartphones. When you use the smartphone with Daydream headset, you will be able to navigate Daydream homescreen and utilise VR versions of Android apps such as YouTube, Street View, Google Photos and Play Movies. You can also access the Play Store to download VR contents and apps.

Google has teamed up with content partners such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and game developers like Ubisoft and EA to offer contents. Samsung, HTC, LG, Huawei, Alcatel, ZTE, Xiaomi and ASUS, all have signed with Google to manufacture Daydream ready phones. Google said that  there will be several other smartphones ready this fall when Daydream becomes available.

Google's Duo makes mobile-only one-to-one video calling fast and simple

In addition to Allo, Google also introduced a new video calling app called Duo. The app aims to provide mobile-only one-to-one video calling in a simple yet faster way. Google claims that Duo should work fone on even slower internet connection.

Similar to Allo, to get you started with Duo, you'll have to log-in with you phone number, so that you can make video calls with anyone in your contact list. Duo comes with a feature called Knock Knock, which offers a personalized preview of the caller before you answer the call.

The app supports calls in HD video and audio, and is optimized to adjust the quality of video call for slow networks. It can work and switch seamlessly between WiFi and cellular networks. It also offers end-to-end encrypted video calls.

Duo will be available for Android and iOS later this summer.

Allo is a new messaging app from Google

Google at I/O 2016 developer conference announced a new messaging app called Allo, with Google Assistant built-in. Google says Allo is a "smart messaging app that makes your conversations easier and more expressive."

To get started, you will have log-in to the app with your phone number, so you can get in touch with anyone in your phonebook. It comes with several emojis, stickers, video calling, sent/received icons and option to doodle on photos before sharing them.

Allo comes with Google Assistant so you can interact with the app directly or have one-on-one conversation with friends.  The assistant in Allo lets you bring things like Search, Maps, YouTube and Translate to your conversations, so that you and your friends can use Google together.

The app also offer smart-replies within the app, when having conversation with friends. For example if a message says, "Can we grab lunch tomorrow?" Allo will offer template answers such as "Sure!" or "Sorry, I can't!" so that you can finish your messages quickly.

Smart Reply also works with photos, providing intelligent suggestions related to the content of the photo.  For example, a graduation photo generates auto responses like 'You look great!' and 'Congratulations!'.

Google has added a feature called 'Whisper Shout', that allows you to enlarge or shrink the text simply by swiping the finger up or down across the send button before sending the message. The app also lets you have 'Incognito mode' conversation, to provide end-to-end encryption, discreet notifications and message expiration.

Allo will be available for both Android and iOS this summer. Pre-registration for the app is now live on official Google Play page.

Google announces Amazon Echo competitor, a smart speaker called Google Home

As expected, Google at its I/O developer conference has announced it own voice activated home assistant device called Google Home, to take on Amazon's Alexa. The small cylindrical shaped device is a speaker which is integrated with Google's new Assistant and supports Google Cast and select home automation devices.

Google Home features an always-listening microphones that can detect sound and you can communicate with the device via voice commands. With simple voice commands you can ask Google Home to play song, manage everyday task, check flight status, send texts, weather forecast, answer questions or turn off the lights of the room. The device recognizes 'Ok Google' voice command to initiate a search and offer the desired results.

Google Home is compatible with Google Play Music, and should also be compatible with other music services like Spotify. The device can also communicate with Google's Chromecast that's plugged to the TV, so you can command it to play YouTube videos or show search results on TV.

At the time of release, Google Home will work with a few home automation devices including thermostats and lighting including Nest. The device also comes with a range of modular cover so you can customize it and features LED light to let you know it is listening.

Google Home will launch later this year.  

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Google Assistant is a two-way conversational assistant for your devices

Google kicked-off its I/O 2016 with the announcement of its personal digital assistant called Google Assistant. The new assistant brings contextual skills to Google Now, and can now answer the questions in a conversational manner, enabling two way dialogue.

You can find information, play media or carry out tasks, such as booking cinema tickets using dialogues on both sides. For example, when you ask about a certain location, and Google has provided the details about it, you can have follow-up converastion regarding the topic.

Google Assistant will be integrated into Google Home, the company's smart speaker and Allo messenger. Google will also allow third-party developers to join and add their own services to Google Assistant when it launches. It will be available across devices.