Posted by Dave Burke, VP of Engineering
Today we're rolling out an update to the Android 7.1 Developer Preview -- thelast before we release the final Android 7.1.1 platform to the ecosystem.Android 7.1.1 includes the developer features already available on Pixel andPixel XL devices and adds optimizations and bug fixes on top of the base Android7.1 platform. With Developer Preview 2, you can make sure your apps are readyfor Android 7.1.1 and the consumers that will soon be running it on theirdevices.
As highlightedin October, we're also expanding the range of devices that can receive thisDeveloper Preview update to Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C.
If you have a supported device that's enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you'll receive anupdate to Developer Preview 2 over the coming week. If you haven't enrolled yourdevice yet, just visit the site toenroll your device and get the update.
In early December, we'll roll out Android 7.1.1 to the full lineup of supporteddevices as well as Pixel and Pixel XL devices.
What's in this update?
Developer Preview 2 is a release candidate for Android 7.1.1 that you can use tocomplete your app development and testing in preparation for the upcoming finalrelease. In includes near-final system behaviors and UI, along with the latestbug fixes and optimizations across the system and Google apps.
It also includes the developer features and APIs (API level 25) alreadyintroduced in Developer Preview 1. If you haven't explored the developerfeatures, you'll want to take a look at app shortcuts,roundicon resources, and image keyboardsupport, among others -- you can see the full list ofdeveloper features here.
With Developer Preview 2, we're also updating the SDK build and platform toolsin Android Studio, the Android 7.1.1 platform, and the API Level 25 emulatorsystem images. The latest version of the support library (25.0.1)is also available for you to addimage keyboard support, bottomnavigation, and other features for devices running API Level 25 or earlier.
For details on API Level 25 check out the APIdiffs and the updated APIreference on the developer previewsite.
Get your apps ready for Android 7.1
Now is the time to optimize your apps to look their best on Android 7.1.1. Toget started, update to AndroidStudio 2.2.2 and then download the API Level 25 platform, emulator systemimages, and tools through the SDK Manager in Android Studio.
After installing the API Level 25 SDK, you can update your project'scompileSdkVersion to 25 to build and test against the new APIs. If you're doingcompatibility testing, we recommend updating your app's targetSdkVersion to 25to test your app with compatibility behaviors disabled. For details on how toset up your app with the API Level 25 SDK, see Setup the Preview.
If you're adding app shortcuts or circular launcher icons to your app, you canuse Android Studio's built-in Image Asset Studio to quickly help you createicons of different sizes that meet the materialdesign guidelines. You can test your round icons on the Google APIs emulatorfor API Level 25, which includes support for round icons and the new GooglePixel Launcher.
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If you're adding image keyboard support, you can use the Messenger and GoogleKeyboard apps included in the preview system images for testing as they includesupport for this new API.
Scale your tests using Firebase Test Lab for Android
To help scale your testing, make sure to take advantage of FirebaseTest Lab for Android and run your tests in the cloud at no charge during thepreview period on all virtual devices including the Developer Preview 2 (API25). You can use the automated crawler (Robo Test) totest your app without having to write any test scripts, or you can upload yourown instrumentation (e.g. Espresso) tests. You can upload your tests here.
Publish your apps to alpha, beta or production channels in GooglePlay
After you've finished final testing, you can publish your updates compiledagainst, and optionally targeting, API 25 to Google Play. You can publish toyour alpha, beta,or even production channels in the Google Play Developer Console. In this way,push your app updates to users whose devices are running Android 7.1, such asPixel and Android Beta devices.
Get Developer Preview 2 on Your Eligible Device
If you have an eligible device that's already enrolled in the Android Beta Program, the device will getthe Developer Preview 2 update over the coming week. No action is needed on yourpart. If you aren't yet enrolled in program, the easiest way to get started isby visiting android.com/beta and opt-inyour eligible Android phone or tablet -- you'll soon receive this preview updateover-the-air. As always, you can also download and flashthis update manually.
As mentioned above, this Developer Preview update is available for Nexus 5X,Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C devices.
We're expecting to launch the final release of the Android 7.1.1 in just a fewweeks Starting in December, we'll roll out Android 7.1.1 to the full lineup ofsupported preview devices, as well as the recently launched Pixel and Pixel XLdevices. At that time, we'll also push the sources to AOSP, so our devicemanufacturer partners can bring this new platform update to consumers on theirdevices.
Meanwhile, we continue to welcome your feedback in the DeveloperPreview issue tracker, NPreview Developer community, or Android Betacommunity as we work towards the final consumer release in December!
