November 2014 Summaries

Google Analytics Demos & Tools was launched to support developers in maximizing their use of Google Analytics by providing comprehensive examples and demos. This new website targets both experienced developers seeking increased productivity and new users looking to explore the platform's capabilities for business improvement through advanced measurement and analysis. Key features include a detailed Enhanced Ecommerce demo with sample code for Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, an Account Explorer tool for quickly finding necessary IDs, and examples of custom dashboards. The site showcases Google Analytics technologies, employing them in its functionality, and utilizes the Embed API for user authorization and analytics.js for tracking usage statistics. Open-sourced on GitHub, the site allows developers to explore its workings and offers a platform for feedback and community contributions.

Launchpad Online is a new video series designed by Google in collaboration with the Startup Launch team to guide developers, particularly beginners, in using Google APIs effectively to create innovative applications. The series features a range of episodes that cater to both novice and experienced developers, providing foundational knowledge, advanced techniques, and the latest API features, all demonstrated with concise code examples. Developers are encouraged to use languages like JavaScript and Python to integrate popular Google applications such as Google Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and Google Drive. The series emphasizes practical learning through the Google Developers Console, focusing on project setup and essential security protocols required to access Google APIs. Hosted by Wesley Chun, a Developer Advocate at Google, the series aims to inspire developers to innovate and customize applications, with the ultimate goal of empowering them to build their first app, such as listing files on Google Drive.

Google launched the Google Fit Developer Challenge to encourage innovation in fitness apps and devices, aiming to promote a more active lifestyle through the Google Fit platform. In collaboration with adidas, Polar, and Withings, the challenge invites developers to create or update apps that integrate with Google Fit, with entries due by February 17, 2015. Judges will select up to six new and six existing apps based on innovation, user engagement, and adherence to Android design and quality guidelines. Winners will be featured on Google Play, offering exposure to Android users globally, while runners-up receive smart devices to further enhance their apps. The challenge is open to registered Google Play developers from select countries, and participants are encouraged to join the Google Fit Developer Community for support and inspiration.

Building games with Google Cast, as announced by Nathan Camarillo, Chromecast Product Manager for Games, offers a unique multi-screen social gaming experience by utilizing the Google Cast SDK. This technology allows developers to enable gameplay between mobile devices and a television, transforming mobile phones into game controllers without the need for additional peripherals. The innovation lies in the various control methods possible with mobile devices, such as using the accelerometer for motion controls, touch controls for direct interactions, and even incorporating microphones for added gameplay features. These advancements provide both cooperative and competitive gaming opportunities, ensuring fun and engagement using familiar devices. The Google Cast Design Principles encourage developers to create entertaining and inspiring multi-screen gaming experiences, heralding a new era in social gaming.

MathFu, developed by Fun Propulsion Labs at Google, is a newly released version 1.0 cross-platform geometry math library designed specifically for C++ game developers, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency. It provides essential classes for vectors, matrices, and quaternions, enabling basic geometry tasks necessary for game development, such as constructing graphics with OpenGL or performing calculations for animation and physics systems. The library is written in portable C++ and utilizes SIMD compiler intrinsics, ensuring compatibility and performance across multiple platforms, including Android, Linux, OS X, and Windows. Available as an open-source project on GitHub, MathFu encourages contributions and participation in its development, reflecting its commitment to enhancing gaming on Android and other platforms.

In November 2014, Google expanded its Startup Launch program by introducing Launchpad Online, a web series designed to assist tech startups in utilizing Google Developer tools and open-source technologies. This initiative, which has already aided over 3,000 entrepreneurs in 150 countries, aims to provide technical instruction and insights from experts like Developer Advocate Wesley Chun, covering topics such as design and distribution. Launchpad Online complements Google's existing "Root Access" and “How I:” series, and aligns with Launchpad events, which are intensive, week-long bootcamps held in select cities worldwide, featuring workshops on product strategy, UX/UI, and more. Additionally, Google offers product credits ranging from $500 to $100,000 in Cloud Credit for startups at various growth stages, and collaborates with Google Business and Developer Groups to host thousands of events globally, fostering connections between startups, developers, and entrepreneurs.

Google announced the release of an early version of Noto Nastaliq Urdu, a font designed to address the intricate challenges of Nastaliq typography for computerized use. After over a year of development focused on overcoming technical and design hurdles, the font is now available for download from the Noto homepage and repository and as a webfont on Google Fonts Early Access. While acknowledging that this version is not yet complete, Google invites feedback from users to refine the font further. The font has proven challenging for some browsers and font renderers, prompting ongoing collaboration with browser manufacturers to resolve these issues. The announcement includes a sample web page showcasing the font with text from a poem by Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib, illustrating its application and aesthetic.

Google announced updates to their APIs Terms of Service, effective December 5, 2014, emphasizing the importance of data portability by obligating developers to uphold user data control and prohibiting the sharing of data with third parties who don't adhere to these requirements. Developers are reminded to comply with all Google terms, as the company reserves the right to use content submitted through APIs to enhance and secure their services, in line with privacy policies. The changes also include requirements for developers to maintain updated contact information, refrain from using APIs for high-risk activities or with sensitive data like ITAR or HIPAA-protected information without explicit consent, and ensure the confidentiality of private keys. Additionally, developers are informed about usage limits and the need for consent if more extensive access is required, with most changes now taking effect 30 days post-announcement instead of the previous 7 days.

A significant update to the material design guidelines has been released to address feedback from developers and designers, featuring improved integration with Android developer documentation and new sections like "What is Material?" to delve deeper into the design environment. The update introduces a "What’s New" section to help track ongoing changes, along with enhancements such as a new product icons section, updated patterns and components, and a new usability section on bidirectionality. The aim is to make the guidelines a living document that evolves continuously, with ongoing integration of developer documentation and refinement of existing sections, while encouraging user feedback through Google+.