For Android devices, Google Play Services is a set of exclusive background services and APIs. It gives Android apps essential features including authentication services, location-based services, support for Google Play Games, Google Drive integration, and more. The majority of Android devices come with Google Play Services pre-installed, and it receives automatic updates from the Google Play Store.
In this post, we’ll look at Google Play Services’ features and advantages as well as how it functions, how to update it, and how it aids app developers in creating better apps.
Features of Google Play Services
For Android developers to create more interesting and potent apps, Google Play Services offers a wide range of features and APIs. Some of the key characteristics of Google Play Services are listed below:
Authentication and Security
For Android applications, Google Play Services offers a trustworthy and safe authentication solution. Users are able to log in and utilize their Google accounts to authenticate with outside programmers. OAuth 2.0 is an industry-standard protocol for secure authentication that is used by Google Play Services.
Location-Based Services
Google Play Services provides a set of APIs for location-based services, including geofencing, location tracking, and activity recognition. These APIs enable developers to build apps that can determine the user’s current location, track their movements, and provide location-based notifications.
Google Play Games
Google Play Services provides a set of APIs for game developers, called Google Play Games Services. These APIs allow developers to add social and gaming features to their apps, such as multiplayer support, leaderboards, and achievements.
Google Cloud Messaging
Push notifications may be sent to users’ smartphones by app developers using the Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) service. Even when the app is not being used, it offers a dependable and effective method of sending messages to Android devices.
Google Drive Integration
Developers may create apps that can access and work with files stored in Google Drive by using the APIs for Google Drive integration provided by Google Play Services.
Google Maps API
Additionally, Google Play Services offers a set of APIs for integrating Google Maps, enabling programmers to create apps that can show maps and location-based data.
Google Wallet
Developers may create apps that take payments with Google Wallet utilizing the APIs for Google Wallet integration provided by Google Play Services.