Jpegli boosts high-quality image compression by 35%

Google has introduced Jpegli, a JPEG coding library that maintains high backward compatibility while offering enhanced capabilities and a 35 percent compression ratio improvement at high quality compression settings.

According to Google, the new JPEG coding library is designed to be faster, more efficient, and more visually pleasing than traditional JPEG. It employs several new techniques to deliver:

Compatibility: Jpegli provides a fully interoperable encoder and decoder...

5 April 2024 | UX/Design

Google paid $10M to bug hunters in 2023

Google has revealed that it paid out $10 million to over 600 bug hunters from 68 countries in 2023.

Throughout the year, Google's bug hunter community played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing thousands of vulnerabilities across various Google platforms. The company's dedication to incentivising researchers saw the introduction of several new programs and improvements to existing ones.

Among the notable developments was the launch of the Bonus Awards program,...

13 March 2024 | Android

Google improves Android device orientation accuracy

Google has announced a new device orientation solution for Android map developers called the Fused Orientation Provider (FOP) API in Play services. This API aims to provide more consistent and high-performance device orientation capabilities across devices.

“Device orientation, or attitude, is used as an input signal for many use cases: virtual or augmented reality, gesture detection, or compass and navigation – any time the app needs the orientation of a device in relation to...

8 March 2024 | Android

Google: Meta’s approach to Android 14 is a ‘blueprint’ for success 

Google has shed light on how Meta approaches tackling challenges and streamlining processes to enhance Android app development.

Following the rollout of Android 11, Meta embarked on a transformative journey, establishing the "Android OS Readiness Program." This move was prompted by identified hurdles concerning existing features such as Chat Heads and emerging requirements like scoped storage integration.

A major bottleneck in addressing these issues stemmed from...

5 March 2024 | Android

Google experiments with AI-generated ‘App Highlights’ in Play Store

Google's quest for integrating AI across its products and services continues as the tech giant is now turning to using it for enhancing the Play Store experience. According to reports, Google is experimenting with using AI to generate information for the App Highlights section in the Play Store.

An update shared on social media by code sleuth @AssembleDebug has revealed that when users tap on an app in the Play Store, they may now see information about the app's features and...

20 February 2024 | Android

Google releases Android 15 developer preview

Google has unveiled the initial developer preview of Android 15, showcasing a range of new features aimed at enhancing user privacy, refining advertising experiences, and improving overall device performance.

Dave Burke, Google's Vice President of Engineering, says a core focus was on advancing user privacy while maintaining personalised advertising capabilities through the latest version of Privacy Sandbox on Android. This addition aims to strike a balance between protecting user...

19 February 2024 | Android

Google adds iOS and Android simulators to Project IDX

Google has added iOS and Android simulators directly within its cloud-based developer workspace, Project IDX. 

The search giant launched Project IDX six months ago as an experimental tool to streamline full-stack, multiplatform app development. It consolidates the complex workflows traditionally associated with building mobile and web apps into a single, collaborative environment.

Pasquale D’Silva, developer of the AI-powered content creation app Tanaki built with...

26 January 2024 | Android

Google enables WebGPU by default in Chrome 121

Google has enabled WebGPU support by default in the latest version of its Chrome browser, Chrome 121. WebGPU is a new web standard that provides low-level access to GPU hardware for high-performance 3D graphics and general purpose computing using JavaScript APIs. 

WebGPU support is now enabled on devices running Android 12 or later powered by Qualcomm and ARM GPUs. Support will expand to more Android devices in the near future, including those still on Android 11. The rollout...

19 January 2024 | Android

Google settles Play Store antitrust lawsuit

Google has reached a settlement in the antitrust lawsuit filed by 36 US states and the District of Columbia, including announcing changes that will impact users and developers.

As part of the settlement, Google will cough up $700 million. The breakdown includes $630 million earmarked for a settlement fund benefiting consumers and an additional $70 million directed towards a fund for the states, with distribution details yet to be disclosed.

Developers can also expect...

19 December 2023 | Android

Epic Games wins monopoly case against Google

In a landmark decision, the jury in the Epic Games vs Google case has unanimously ruled that Google Play and the Play Billing service constitute an illegal monopoly.

The verdict comes three years after Epic Games initiated legal action against both Apple and Google, accusing them of maintaining unlawful app store monopolies.

The jury – after just a few hours of deliberation – affirmed that Google holds monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing...

12 December 2023 | Android