Google started rolling out an update to Google Play Services earlier this week to take it up to version 4.4. Publicly, the update included the ability to embed Street View imagery in apps, some motion detectors, and tweaks to Mobile Ads, game services, and Google Wallet. Now that the update has started to reach actual users, a teardown of the APK has commenced revealing Google included a lot more in the file even if it has not been turned on yet.
Anyone who has received the update is aware that there is a whole slew of new permissions that are requested. It appears that at least some of these new permissions may be laying the groundwork to control non-Google apps access to different APIs. Combined with some of the new code referencing a variety of Google communication platforms like Hangouts, SMS, Voice and Talk, it could be Google is preparing to let third-party apps initiate messages.
Another wide swath of code looks like Google will be enabling support for Android Wear devices without manufacturers having to build their own apps. Google also included some code that looks like it will enable screen mirroring to other devices via the cast feature. Finally, the new APK includes the code for a firmware updater. It is not clear how Google envisions this being used, but a leading theory is that it will be part of Google’s effort to implement the Android Silver program.
Google I/O is only a few weeks away. The inclusion of so much code in Google Play Services might be an indication of the kinds of new features and functionality Google plans to announce this summer.
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google Play Services 4.4 teardown reveals much more waiting in the wings
Google Play Services 4.4 teardown reveals much more waiting in the wings
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