The Latest Android Technology for Developers in 2021

Year after year, new trends in Android technology make mobile computing faster, more efficient, and safer. Mobile phones are now more than simple gadgets used for communications. Users can shop, share documents, make digital payments, and more with their mobile devices.

Smartphones are replacing computers and thus, increasing the need for new mobile applications. A study made by Statista highlights the mobile app industry. It showed a 50-billion increase in app downloads from 2016 to 2017 and an expected 352.9 billion boost by 2021.

This year, developers are into instant applications, enhanced cloud support, and robust security. Let’s find out more about the latest Android tech trends for developers in 2021.

Avoid Losing Data with Cloud Support

Developing your projects in the cloud allows you to take your app to market faster. Cloud computing is not affected by hardware failures as it uses remote equipment. Developers take advantage of enhanced cloud support as they use several devices to work on their projects

Another thing about cloud computing is that developers can access their apps on different devices without data loss. They also save money when they use remote resources. There’s no need to buy servers and other data-saving equipment. 

SPD Group reports new business benefits of using cloud technology in 2021. These recent trends include easy and frequent updates, improved flexibility, and better scalability. The report also focuses on improved productivity, less carbon footprint, and energy expenses. 

Swift as the First-Class Android Language

iOS and macOS currently use a programming language known as Swift. Google considers Swift as a first-class programming language because it’s multifunctional and open-source.

Google assesses Swift as the language in creating Android native apps that will replace Java. Developers can use Swift in designing modern apps for Android and iOS platforms. 

Using a single app for both platforms saves them time and effort. As there’s no need to learn a new programming language when using Swift, developers don’t have to spend on different programs. This also cuts the need to use another program when migrating from iOS to Android, allowing faster app development. 

Swift’s open-source nature allows developers to apply this in different platforms. They can use Swift to develop mobile device apps, desktop programs, and various cloud-based applications.

The Increase of Instant Apps on Android 

Instant App is Google’s software program that allows users to check out a part of a native Android app without installing it on their devices. These Instant Apps work like local applications but have access to the smartphone’s hardware. 

Developers add Android Instant when they develop apps. This allows consumers to check a preview version of the app before downloading and using the entire application. Lifewire says that a slimmed-down app may come as a “Try Now” offer found at the app’s Google Play Store site. This offer may be available via email or through a link or scannable code from the app’s website.

Instant Apps started at the 2016 Google I/O, and at the moment, only new Android devices using 5.0 Lollipop use Instant Apps. With Instant Apps, users can access apps without the need for download and installation. These apps are like regular web pages, so there’s less traffic than using a typical application.

From a developer’s perspective, Instant Apps use the same source codes and APIs. They make apps that can reach out to more users, including users who will download and use it through a browser. But as it shows, not all developers prefer Instant Apps as excessive use may affect their revenues.

More Focus on IoT Technology

IoT or internet of things technology is ever-growing. It is said that by 2025, a regular smartphone may have six connected smart home devices. It’s also predicted that creating a smart home and a smart office is the start of creating a “smart city.”

Google already has smart home devices that integrate into any smartphone: Nest Camera, Nest Thermostat, and Google Home. Because of these smart devices, you can simplify your home or office and ensure your home and business’s safety and security.

Developers creating the latest app for various smart home and office products consider IoT’s many advantages. Ease of access, data monitoring, easy operation, and enhanced operation and automation are some of its benefits. TechCrunch states that IoT has excellent advantages but unavoidable risks to users and manufacturers. 

Consumers taking advantage of IoT’s endless capabilities should get to know the list of okay Google commands. It allows users to do simple tasks with direct commands given to Google assistant. These will better improve their use of smart home and smart office devices connected to their smartphone devices.

The Increase of Location-Based Services

To enhance the consumer experience, developers create location-based apps and services. These apps offer better real-time information and are applicable in different locations and applications. Take tourism, retail and marketing, navigation, payment methods, and many more. 

Through Google’s Beacon platform, location-based services can help apps and various devices. These devices can behave smarter with updated information. Beacons define the most accurate location, including contextual cues in apps to assist users in moving and exploring. 

If you are in an area near a beacon, your device receives the latest information about where you are and what’s around you. From your app, you can connect to actual beacons through the Beacon Dashboard.

Stronger Android App Security

Regular smartphone users store vast amounts of data on their devices. Thus, developers are responsible for securing personal information over different networks. As the mobile industry continues to grow, inevitable threats and attacks on information are progressing as well.

Security breaches are not harmful to hardware but also a business’s reputation and success. This is why app developers will be implementing more robust data encryption and regular security updates. These will preserve privacy and security in mobile applications. 

At the start of 2021, Guardsquare predicted some security trends for applications. The company mentioned endpoint security for mobile apps. This considers that hardware-based security and cryptography will be more available. Another trend is the increase of mobile banking and payments and the need for application hardening for mobile retail apps.

Conclusion

This year, app developers focus on enhanced cloud support, the use of Instant Apps, and Swift as the primary programming language. Developing new apps for supporting IoT and location-based services are also current trends. Meanwhile, app security remains an essential factor in the quest for smarter and safer apps. 

As smartphones continue to rise year after year, so will threats to security and safety. This places more pressure on developers to create better and more efficient apps for consumers for years to come. 


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