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6 cool features coming to new version of Android

Android P update is applicable only for Google's Pixel range of smartphones that include Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL.

6 cool features coming to new version of Android

New Delhi: Google has recently released the developer preview of its latest version of Android – Android P. The developers-only preview implies that regular users will not be able to download as yet.

Android P update is applicable only for Google's Pixel range of smartphones that include Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL.

But, if you don't have a Pixel device, you can use the Android Emulator to test your app and explore Android P.

In its Android Blog, Google has elaborately explained many new features coming to Android P. It has also asked the previewers to give feedback on it.

Let's take a look at six cool features in this first preview of Android P

Indoor positioning with Wi-Fi RTT

Android P adds platform support for the IEEE 802.11mc WiFi protocol -- also known as WiFi Round-Trip-Time (RTT) -- to let you take advantage of indoor positioning in your apps, Google blog said.

Display cutout support

Google has added display cutout into the platform, along with APIs that you can use to manage how your content is displayed.

Improved messaging notifications

Google has put a priority on improving visibility and function in notifications in Android P. The new MessagingStyle notification style highlights who is messaging and how you can reply. You can show conversations, attach photos and stickers, and even suggest smart replies.

Multi-camera API

Google has said that you can now access streams simultaneously from two or more physical cameras on devices running Android P. On devices with either dual-front or dual-back cameras, you can create innovative features not possible with just a single camera, such as seamless zoom, bokeh, and stereo vision.

Security for apps

Google has movedng to UI for fingerprint authentication across apps and devices. Apps can trigger the system fingerprint dialog using a new FingerprintDialog API.

Privacy for users

Android P restricts access to mic, camera, and all SensorManager sensors from apps that are idle. Google said that while your app's UID is idle, the mic reports empty audio and sensors stop reporting events. Cameras used by your app are disconnected and will generate an error if the app tries to use them.