In an attempt to improve the battery life of smartphones, Google said Android O puts new limits on what apps can do running in the background, such as fewer location checks. The new Android also introduces 'notification channels', in order to give developers and users more control over different kinds of app notifications. In addition, Android O introduces options for picture-in-picture display, so users can for example continue watching a video while also checking email, and multi-display to launch activities on a remote display.
Other improvements include more support for fonts and colours in apps and for keyboard use over Chrome devices, as well as audio enhancements such as support for the Bluetooth LDAC codec and the AAudio native API for apps with high-performance, low-latency audio.
Google also added new Wi-Fi features, like Wi-Fi Aware, previously known as Neighbor Awareness Networking. This means that on devices with the appropriate hardware, apps and nearby devices can discover and communicate over Wi-Fi without an internet access point. As more cars adopt Android integration, Google also extended APIs to enable third-party calling apps to integrate with the system UI and other audio apps. For instance, apps can have their calls displayed and controlled in car head units.
The Android O preview is available for developers to test over Nexus and Pixel devices. More information on the new OS will be announced at the Google I/O conference in May.
