August 2016 Summaries

In August 2016, Google announced the release of the Closure Compiler in pure JavaScript, allowing it to be used without Java and designed to run under NodeJS, supporting popular build tools. The Closure Compiler is a JavaScript optimizer, transpiler, and type checker that compiles code into a high-performance, minified version and is widely used in Google's web frontends to produce compact, fast code. This new JavaScript version supports ES2015 features and provides polyfills for unsupported methods, helping developers write better, maintainable, and scalable code by checking syntax and types while offering warnings for common JavaScript pitfalls. The release is not a rewrite but a compilation of Java source to JavaScript, intended to run under Node or browsers, and while experimental, it marks a significant addition to the compiler landscape. Developers can include the JS version in projects using NPM and Gulp, although it lacks direct filesystem interaction and some flags from the Java version.

The Tango developer workshop, led by Senior Software Engineer Eitan Marder-Eppstein, showcased the potential of augmented reality (AR) in storytelling through a three-day event that engaged a diverse group of participants, including independent filmmakers, developers, and major media company creatives. The workshop culminated in the creation of several new app prototypes leveraging Tango technology, such as The New York Times' 3D models to enhance news story connections and The Wall Street Journal's ViewPoint app for immersive, location-based storytelling. Other innovative projects included Line's AR characters for interactive experiences and Google's Mobile Vision Team's visualization of music vibrations. These prototypes demonstrated the diverse applications of AR in storytelling, sparking excitement for future developments and inviting more creators to explore Tango's capabilities through online resources and community support.

Google announced a shift away from supporting OAuth requests via embedded browsers, or "web-views," in native apps to enhance security and usability, with a phased deprecation schedule beginning on October 20, 2016. This change encourages the use of device browsers, which allow users to sign in once per device and improve conversion rates for sign-in and authorization flows by utilizing existing logged-in sessions. Embedded browsers require repeated sign-ins and pose security risks as apps can inspect and modify content. Google provides libraries such as Google Sign-In and AppAuth to aid developers in transitioning to best practices for OAuth flows, and recommends updating to the latest versions for improved security and usability. While WebView support on iOS 8 remains for now, notices may prompt users to upgrade their devices for enhanced security. Notifications of this deprecation have been added to consent pages on iOS and Android, and developers can acknowledge the change with a specific URL parameter to remove these notices.

Google Developers is opening a new 14,000 square foot space in San Francisco at 301 Howard Street in September to foster collaboration among local and international developers and startups. This venue will host a variety of events, including Google Developer Group meetups, Codelabs, Design Sprints, and Tech Talks, and will also serve as the site for the third class of the Launchpad Accelerator program, which supports late-stage app startups from emerging markets. The program offers comprehensive mentoring from over 20 Google teams, beginning with a two-week bootcamp at Google HQ, and aims to help startups scale and lead in their local markets. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and emerging markets, providing startups from countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico with crucial resources and networks to tackle local problems and grow successful businesses. This new space is a response to the increasing number of developers starting companies and the need for technical training in an ever-evolving industry, with the ultimate goal of creating businesses that have a positive global impact.

Google's Santa Tracker has been updated with open-source Android and web experiences from December 2015, showcasing enhancements using technologies like Firebase, Polymer, and OpenGL. The Android app supports various devices and incorporates Firebase features for user engagement, while Santa’s Village offers games and educational content across phones, tablets, and TVs. The custom watch faces for Android Wear provide personalized experiences, and notifications keep users informed about Santa's journey. The mobile-first web experience uses Polymer for scalable development and the Web Animations API for interactivity, with games built using ES6 standards. The update aims to inspire developers to create their magical experiences using these components.

Tango-enabled devices aim to enhance augmented reality (AR) experiences by integrating environmental lighting, allowing virtual objects to blend more naturally into real-world environments. By updating the Tango Unity SDK, developers can now incorporate ambient lighting, reflective surfaces, and shading to create more realistic AR scenes. The tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on implementing these features, including creating a Unity project, setting up the Tango Manager and Tango AR Camera, and applying environmental lighting shaders to objects. The result is a more lifelike AR experience, exemplified by a pool ball that reflects its surroundings realistically. This advancement marks a step toward high-performance smartphone AR applications, encouraging developers to explore further possibilities with Tango's tools and resources available on platforms like GitHub.

Daydream Labs has been exploring social interactions in virtual reality (VR), emphasizing the importance of creating fun, safe, and comfortable experiences for users. The team discovered that without clear social norms, users might inadvertently make others feel uncomfortable by, for instance, placing virtual accessories in ways that impair vision or invading personal space. To combat such issues, they experimented with mechanisms like personal space bubbles and desaturation effects to discourage negative behaviors. Additionally, they found that incentivizing positive interactions, such as a high-five between avatars triggering a fireworks animation, can naturally guide users towards more enjoyable and respectful social experiences.

Schell Games has innovatively adapted classic games like Jenga and dominoes into augmented reality (AR) experiences using Google's Tango technology, showcased at a Tech World event. Their popular game, Domino World, will be available on Lenovo’s Phab 2 Pro, the first Tango-enabled device. The development process involved using Tango features such as motion tracking and surface detection, enhancing the immersive experience by making the phone's display act as a "window on the world." Unlike traditional mobile apps, these AR games encourage players to physically move around their environment to interact with virtual objects. Schell Games found the Tango SDK and Unity Engine user-friendly, allowing them to efficiently build their games. This technology eliminates the need for physical AR markers, making it easier for players to engage with AR games on-the-go.

Autotrack is a JavaScript library designed to enhance analytics.js by providing a variety of plugins that help developers track common user interactions on modern websites. Released as version 1.0, it introduces new plugins like Impression Tracker, Clean URL Tracker, and Page Visibility Tracker, which offer advanced tracking capabilities such as monitoring element visibility, standardizing URL formats, and capturing page visibility changes without degrading site performance. Autotrack allows for significant customization, granting developers full control over data fields sent to Google Analytics, which enables more refined analytics and bounce rate measurement. Primarily targeted at developers, autotrack is especially beneficial for small to medium-sized teams already using analytics.js, while larger organizations might find Google Tag Manager more suited to their complex needs. Autotrack is open-source, offering a rich learning resource for those interested in advanced analytics.js functionalities, and developers are encouraged to contribute feedback or report issues through GitHub.