Google Play Service has rolled out an array of new features in its latest update. The version 6.5 brings updates to Maps, Google Fit, Wallet and Google Drive.
“Google Play services 6.5 includes new features in Google Maps, Google Drive and Google Wallet as well as the recently launched Google Fit API. We are also providing developers with more granular control over which Google Play services APIs your app depends on to help you maintain a lean app.”
posted Ian Lake, Developer Advocate, on a blog.
For starters in case of Google Maps, the update now enables app makers to include a map toolbar so that their users can get directions without leaving the app. Moreover, a a new ‘lite mode’ map option is also added that displays smaller maps like thumbnails. The Play Service update for Google Drive now lets users add public and app private custom file properties to Drive files for faster searches and allowing apps to save info that will persist across other apps. It is now even easier to sync your files to Drive both user and battery friendly with the ability to control when files are uploaded by network type or charging status and cancel pending uploads.
Moving on the Google Wallet will enable developers to collect donations using a “Donate with Google” button that is functionally similar to the existing “Pay with Google” button. Finally, Google Fit makes it easier for developers to add activity segments like time periods of walking or running at the time of creating a session. This essentially means that the app can now easily support pauses or workouts with multiple activities.
All Google Services updates will gradually rollout over the next few days. Google Play Service was last updated in September to version 6.1