I know, I know. You’re probably wondering when I’ll quit referring to Google I/O and just how many more articles is this woman going to publish talking about Google?! I understand, and I sympathize – but at the moment this is honestly the most intriguing topics I am reading about. That day will come, but that day is not today.
So without further ado, let’s talk a little more about... Google I/O! For now we’re going to step away from the consumer standpoint and focus a little more on the ins of Android and give the limelight to the developers who help create and shape Android to be the (somewhat) open platform that we know and love today. If there’s one thing that I truly admire about Google, it’s the fact that if you want to become an Android developer they have the tools ready to help you learn – and it keeps getting better.
During the developer conference at Google I/O, the company announced the release of Android Studio, which is a development tool for apps that really seems to help broaden developer options when it comes to broadening their own horizons.
I’ve always thought that becoming an Android developer was, over all, easier to get started with over iOS. In fact, if you perform a quick Google search containing the phrase “How to become an Android developer” most websites will get you there within 5 to 6 simple steps. Alternatively, should you Google the phrase “How to become an iOS developer”, the results are not as easy – or cheap. At least, that’s my understanding. I will state right now that I am not nor have I ever been a developer for either platform, but from my limited experience it would seem that I would rather take the Android route first and then work my way towards iOS once I get a better grasp of what I'm doing.
Simply put, Google makes it easy to want to develop for Android. The tools are there, the entry is cheap, and they teach you how to optimize your earnings even by running a free app. By releasing Android Studio, the benefits of developing an app with it are clear as day. Some of the features of Android Studio include making the actual process of creating or editing the app faster and more productive; “Live Layout”, which provides you with a live preview of your actual app as you update/create it in real time; Helps you change your layout to fit various screen sizes, whether it be for phone or tablet; it even provides translation assistance so that your app can become an international sensation. As I said, I’m not a developer, but even these tools makes me want to go try it out for myself.
Another great feature is that Android Studio can help you invest in the right campaigns for your app – you can see which places direct the most revenue to you, so you know where to cut costs if necessary or invest more in. Who doesn’t like having a little more cash in their pocket?
The way Google embraces their developers and puts a lot of focus on them (for example, most of Google I/O was about development) is admirable; after all, what is a smartphone without its apps? And while Google may be one of the most technologically versatile companies on the market today with as many services they offer they certainly could not pull off the number of people that currently use Android all by themselves. They need the aid of the developer community, who spend day and night learning how to code these crazy machines in our hands just so it can launch a bunch of ill-tempered birds at swines with a Christopher Columbus complex, or to see just how many filters we can place on one picture before you hardly notice a person underneath unless you look hard enough. And of course, we have our apps that truly do make the biggest difference in our overall smartphone experience.
So I’d like to take this moment to say thanks developers, you’re the best. And thanks Google, you’re pretty awesome too for making it a little easier for developers to get started off on the right foot.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the new Android Studio? Developers, are you excited to try it out? Non-developers, does it pique your interest to begin developing at all? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Images via TalkAndroid, Google