The Now in Android app will help developers solve “complex real-world problems”
“Firstly, it showcases best practices, opinionated designs, and solutions to complex real-world problems which other sample apps don’t handle,” Google said of the new app in a blog post (via XDA). “Secondly, it helps you (the developer) keep up to date with the areas of Android development which interest you most.” Google added that the Now in Android app is in the process of making it to the Play Store. But as it stands, this alpha release is limited to GitHub. In terms of features, developers can expect Material3 theme components, UI built out of Jetpack Compose, layouts that can adapt to varying screen sizes, an architecture in line with Google’s “official guidance,” and more. The Now in Android app was first showcased at the I/O 2022 conference. “We have some exciting features planned, such as user authentication and loading data from a real backend,” Google said about the future. However, the company didn’t offer any information on the timeline.
Google also launched the second Android 13 beta during I/O 2022
The company had some other exciting announcements at I/O 2022, including the new Pixel 6a. It features the same price tag as the Pixel 5a ($449) but with a handful of hardware upgrades. Unfortunately, pre-orders for the phone won’t start until July 21, while availability is scheduled for July 28. Additionally, Google launched Android 13 Beta 2 during last week’s developer conference with some new features in tow. Surprisingly, Google gave us an early glimpse at the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. The two flagships are scheduled to reach markets this fall, featuring an upgraded Tensor chipset and Android 13. Google didn’t go too much into detail about the new Tensor chip. But we expect there to be some significant improvements considering last year’s lukewarm response. The Pixel 7 will reportedly sell in Obsidian, Snow, and Lemongrass colors, whereas the Pro flagship will ship in Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel shades.
