The official Android docs describe Android Jetpack as “a set of libraries, tools and architectural guidance.” This vague description has left many developers wondering what Android Jetpack really is. Taking a look at the list of Android Jetpack components just raises even more questions — there’s clearly a ton of crossover with existing Android libraries and projects. A good chunk of the components seem to be taken straight from the Support Library, such as AppCompat. So, is Android Jetpack just a rebranded Support Library? Is it a replacement? Can you use the two side by side, or should we all be migrating our apps to Jetpack?The Support Library components aren’t the only familiar features in the list of Jetpack components. All of the Architecture Components (Lifecycles, LiveData, Room and ViewModel) are now part of Jetpack, too. To add to the confusion, at Google I/O 2018 we learned future Support Library updates will be published to the … [Read more...] about Android Jetpack: What do the recent announcements mean for Android’s Support Library?
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Google Pay gains support for event tickets and boarding passes
Google has unveiled some new Google Pay tools and features, including support for both event tickets and boarding passes. Until now, Google Pay only worked with loyalty cards and offers. The announcements were made at Google’s annual I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California. Google announced in January that it was combining Android Pay and Google Wallet under the new Google Pay brand, with the big global rollout kicking off in February. Last week, it was expanded to other browsers and onto iOS, too. Speaking of iOS, Apple’s mobile users can now use Google Pay to send and request money, manage payment info linked to their Google accounts, and see their transaction history. In the build up to today’s event, news started to trickle out that Google was readying some notable updates to the Google Pay platform. Southwest Airlines added the ability to add boarding passes to the Google Pay app on Android, for example. Now we know that companies from … [Read more...] about Google Pay gains support for event tickets and boarding passes
For Nokia survival is at stake on September 5th: here’s why
Nokia and Microsoft are gearing up for probably their most important event in mobile in just two days, on Wednesday, September 5th, the unveiling of the new Windows Phone 8-based Lumia smartphones. For Microsoft the event is important, but for Nokia it’s critical - it might be the company’s last chance to get traction in an Android-iOS dominated industry. If the new devices don’t win consumers’ hearts, the Finns headed by Canadian ex-Microsoft manager Stephen Elop who said crossed off all backup plans, might become the biggest failure in the history of the mobile industry. "This is very high stakes," Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley said. "Nokia bet everything on Windows, and if this doesn't succeed the next step might be having to do what's best for shareholders, and that might include selling off key assets or selling the whole company." What’s coming But analysts still have hopes for Nokia’s upcoming devices. The Finns are expected to … [Read more...] about For Nokia survival is at stake on September 5th: here’s why
Liveblog: Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus announcement
Well, today is the day! That was probably the first thing on many an Apple fan's mind this morning, and we can't blame them. Today, at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Apple is going to unveil its newest products, among which are going to be its new smartphones: the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. It would also be a nice surprise by Apple if the mythical iPhone 6c happens to make a cameo as well, but that's mostly us being optimistic here. The company is also expected to announce the exact iPhone 6c and iOS 9 release date.In any case, it's going to be a big event, probably one of the biggest Apple events in recent memory, so you can rest assured it'll be more than worth following. If you'd like to watch the livestream of the special event, head this way for our complete guide on how to watch it. Otherwise, welcome to our liveblog! Here, we'll be posting a detailed stream of updates with text and images for a more discrete, yet informative way to follow the … [Read more...] about Liveblog: Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus announcement
What to expect at CES 2015: rumors and announcements round-up
Well, 2014 is almost out the door and within the first few days of the new year, we already have something exciting to look forward to. We are talking about the annual Consumer Electronics Show, of course – the tech event where major players in various fields of consumer electronics gather to announce and showcase their newest products. Naturally, smartphones and tablets are a must-have part of the show's portfolio.So, what are we expecting to see? CES product announcements are usually kept under veils, so most of the expectations are based to leaks, rumors, and speculation, but hey – that's what makes the experience so sweet. Now, let's see what we've heard about CES 2015 so far...SamsungWe've heard that Samsung may be planning to announce its newest Galaxy S flagship at the 2015 CES. The fact that the company claimed to be redesigning the phone from scratch, looking to create a more premium-looking and desirable handset, combined with the rumors that there may be a Galaxy … [Read more...] about What to expect at CES 2015: rumors and announcements round-up