blob: 5cef96560c803c5de6def61570e53517f6a933f0 [file] [log] [blame]
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -08001page.title=Android N for Developers
Dirk Dougherty43eb9512016-03-03 14:53:16 -08002meta.tags="preview", "androidn"
3page.tags="preview", "developer preview"
Dirk Doughertya6495a922016-03-04 15:21:59 -08004page.image=images/cards/card-n-apis_2x.png
Dirk Dougherty5748bc42016-02-06 18:24:32 -08005@jd:body
6
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -08007
8
9
10<div id="qv-wrapper">
11<div id="qv">
12 <h2>Key developer features</h2>
13 <ol>
14 <ul style="list-style-type:none;">
15 <li><a href="#multi-window_support">Multi-window support</a></li>
16 <li><a href="#notification_enhancements">Notifications</a></li>
17 <li><a href="#tile_api">Quick Settings Tile API</a></li>
18 <li><a href="#data_saver">Data Saver</a></li>
19 <li><a href="#multi-locale_languages">Locales and languages</a></li>
20 <li><a href="#icu4">ICU4J APIs in Android</a></li>
21 <li><a href="#android_tv_recording">Android TV recording</a></li>
22 <li><a href="#number-blocking">Number-blocking</a></li>
23 <li><a href="#call_screening">Call screening</a></li>
24 <li><a href="#direct_boot">Direct Boot</a></li>
25 <li><a href="#key_attestation">Key Attestation</a></li>
26 <li><a href="#network_security_config">Network Security Config</a></li>
27 <li><a href="#default_trusted_ca">Default Trusted CA</a></li>
28 <li><a href="#scoped_directory_access">Scoped directory access</a></li>
29 <li><a href="#android_for_work">Android for Work</a></li>
30 <li><a href="#jit_aot">JIT/AOT compilation</a></li>
31 <li><a href="#quick_path_to_app_install">Quick path to app install</a></li>
32 <li><a href="#doze_on_the_go">Doze on the go</a></li>
33 <li><a href="#background_optimizations">Background optimizations</a></li>
34 <li><a href="#gles_32">OpenGLTM ES 3.2 API</a></li>
35 </ol>
36</div>
37</div>
38
39
40
41<p>Android N is still in active development, but you can try it
42now as part of the N Developer Preview. The sections below highlight some of
43the new features for developers. </p>
44
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -080045<p>
46 Make sure to check out the <a href=
47 "{@docRoot}preview/behavior-changes.html">Behavior Changes</a> to learn about
48 areas where platform changes may affect your apps, take a look at the
49 developer guides to learn more about key features, and download the <a href=
50 "{@docRoot}preview/setup-sdk.html#docs-dl">API Reference</a> for details on
51 new APIs.
52</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -080053
54<h2 id="multi-window_support">Multi-window support</h2>
55
56
57<p>In Android N, we're introducing a new and much-requested multitasking feature
58into the platform &mdash; multi-window support. </p>
59
60 <p>Users can now pop open two apps on the screen at once. </p>
61 <ul>
62 <li>On phones and tablets
63running Android N, users can run two apps side-by-side or
64one-above-the-other in splitscreen mode. Users can resize the apps by dragging
65the divider between them. </li>
66
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -080067<li>On Android TV devices, apps can put themselves in <a
68href="{@docRoot}preview/features/picture-in-picture.html">picture-in-picture
69mode</a>, allowing them to continue showing content while the user browses or
70interacts with other apps. See below for more information. </li>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -080071 </ul>
72
73
74
75<div class="col-4of10">
76<img src="{@docRoot}preview/images/mw-portrait.png" alt="" style="height:460px"
77 id="img-split-screen" />
78<p class="img-caption">
79 <strong>Figure 1.</strong> Two apps running in split-screen mode.
Dirk Dougherty5748bc42016-02-06 18:24:32 -080080</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -080081 </div>
82
83
84<p>Especially on tablets and other larger-screen devices, multi-window support
85gives you new ways to engage users. You can even enable drag-and-drop in
86your app to let users conveniently drag content to or from your app &mdash; a great
87way to enhance your user experience. </p>
88
89<p>It's straightforward to add multi-window support to your app and configure how it
90handles multi-window display. For example, you can specify your activity's
91minimum allowable dimensions, preventing users from resizing the activity below
92that size. You can also disable multi-window display for your app, which
93 ensures that the system will only show your app in full-screen mode.</p>
94
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -080095<p>
96 For more information, see the <a href=
97 "{@docRoot}preview/features/multi-window.html">Multi-Window Support</a>
98 developer documentation.
99</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800100
101<h2 id="notification_enhancements">Notification enhancements</h2>
102
103<p>In Android N we've redesigned notifications to make them easier and faster to
104use. Some of the changes include:</p>
105
106<ul>
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800107 <li>
108 <strong>Template updates</strong>: We're updating notification templates to
109 put a new emphasis on hero image and avatar. Developers will be able to
110 take advantage of the new templates with minimal adjustments in their code.
111 </li>
112
113 <li>
114 <strong>Bundled notifications</strong>: The system can group messages
115 together, for example by message topic, and display the group. A user can
116 take actions, such as Dismiss or Archive, on them in place. If you’ve
117 implemented notifications for Android Wear, you’ll already be familiar with
118 this model. with this model.
119 </li>
120
121 <li>
122 <strong>Direct reply</strong>: For real-time communication apps, the
123 Android system supports inline replies so that users can quickly respond to
124 an SMS or text message directly within the notification interface.
125 </li>
126
127 <li>
128 <strong>Custom views</strong>: Two new APIs enable you to leverage system
129 decorations, such as notification headers and actions, when using custom
130 views in notifications.
131 </li>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800132</ul>
133
134<div class="col-4of12">
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800135 <img src="{@docRoot}preview/images/notifications-1.png" alt=""
136 style="padding:.5em;max-width:226px">
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800137</div>
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800138
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800139<div class="col-4of12">
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800140 <img src="{@docRoot}preview/images/notifications-3.png" alt=""
141 style="padding:.5em;max-width:226px">
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800142</div>
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800143
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800144<div class="col-4of12">
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800145 <img src="{@docRoot}preview/images/notifications-2.png" alt=""
146 style="padding:.5em;max-width:226px">
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800147</div>
148
149
150<p class="img-caption">
Adarsh Fernando37601562016-03-09 09:53:57 -0800151 <strong>Figure 2.</strong> Bundled notifications and direct reply.
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800152</p>
153
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800154<p>To learn how to implement the new features, see the
155 <a href="{@docRoot}preview/features/notification-updates.html">Notifications</a>
156 guide.</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800157
158
159<h2 id="tile_api">Quick Settings Tile API</h2>
160
161
162<div style="float:right;max-width:320px">
163<img src="{@docRoot}preview/images/quicksettings.png" style="padding-left:1.5em;">
164
165<p class="img-caption" style="padding-left:2em;">
Adarsh Fernando37601562016-03-09 09:53:57 -0800166 <strong>Figure 3.</strong> Quick Settings tiles in the notification shade.
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800167</p>
168
169
170 </div><p>Quick Settings is a popular and simple way to expose key settings and actions,
171directly from the notification shade. In Android N, we've expanded the scope of
172Quick Settings to make it even more useful and convenient. </p>
173
174<p>We've added more room for additional Quick Settings tiles, which users can
175access across a paginated display area by swiping left or right. We've also
176given users control over what Quick Settings tiles appear and where they are
177displayed &mdash; users can add or move tiles just by dragging and dropping them. </p>
178
179<p>For developers, Android N also adds a new API that lets you define your own
180 Quick Settings tiles to give users easy access to key controls and actions in your app.</p>
181
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800182<p>
183 Quick Settings tiles are reserved for controls or actions that are either
184 urgently required or frequently used, and should not be used as shortcuts to
185 launching an app.
186</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800187
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800188<p>
189 Once you’ve defined your tiles, you can surface them to users, who can add
190 them to Quick Settings just by drag and drop.
191</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800192
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800193<p>
194 For information about creating an app tile, see the
195 <code>android.service.quicksettings.Tile</code> in the downloadable <a href=
196 "{@docRoot}preview/setup-sdk.html#docs-dl">API Reference</a>.
197</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800198
199<h2 id="data_saver">Data Saver</h2>
200
201<div class="col-5of12" style="margin-right:1.5em;">
202<img src="{@docRoot}preview/images/datasaver.png" style="border:2px solid #ddd">
203
204<p class="img-caption" style="padding-right:2em;">
Adarsh Fernando37601562016-03-09 09:53:57 -0800205 <strong>Figure 4.</strong> Data Saver in Settings.
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800206</p>
207 </div>
208
209<p>Over the life of a mobile device, the cost of a cellular data plan typically
210exceeds the cost of the device itself. For many users, cellular data is an
211expensive resource that they want to conserve. </p>
212
213<p>Android N introduces Data Saver mode, a new system service that helps reduce
214cellular data use by apps, whether roaming, near the end of the billing cycle,
215or on a small prepaid data pack. Data Saver gives users control over how apps
216use cellular data and lets developers provide more efficient service when Data
217Saver is on. </p>
218
219<p>When a user enables Data Saver in <strong>Settings</strong> and the device is
220on a metered network, the system blocks background data usage and signals apps
221to use less data in the foreground wherever possible &mdash; such as by limiting
222bit rate for streaming, reducing image quality, deferring optimistic precaching,
223and so on. Users can whitelist specific apps to allow background metered data
224usage even when Data Saver is turned on.</p>
225
226<p>Android N extends the {@link android.net.ConnectivityManager} to provide apps a
227way to <a href="{@docRoot}preview/features/data-saver.html#status">retrieve the
228user's Data Saver preferences</a> and <a
229href="{@docRoot}preview/features/data-saver.html#monitor-changes">monitor
230preference changes</a>. All apps should check whether the user has enabled Data
231Saver and make an effort to limit foreground and background data usage.</p>
232
233<h2 id="multi-locale_languages">Multi-locale support, more languages</h2>
234
235
236<p>Android N now lets users select <strong>multiple locales</strong> in Settings,
237to better support bilingual use-cases. Apps can use
238a new API to get the user's selected locales and then offer more sophisticated
239user experiences for multi-locale users &mdash; such as showing search results in
240multiple languages and not offering to translate webpages in a language the
241user already knows.</p>
242
243<p>Along with multi-locale support, Android N also expands the range of languages
244available to users. It offers more than 25 variants each for commonly used
245languages such as English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. It also adds partial
246support for more than 100 new languages.</p>
247
248<p>Apps can get the list of locales set by the user by calling <code>LocaleList.GetDefault()</code>. To support the expanded number of locales, Android N is changing the way
249that it resolves resources. Make sure that you test and verify that your apps
250working as expected with the new resource resolution logic.</p>
251
252<p>To learn about the new resource-resolution behavior and the best practices you
253should follow, see <a href="{@docRoot}preview/features/multilingual-support.html">Multilingual Support</a>.</p>
254
255<h2 id="icu4">ICU4J APIs in Android</h2>
256
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800257<p>
258 Android N now offers a subset of <a href=
259 "http://site.icu-project.org/">ICU4J</a> APIs in the Android framework under
260 the <code>android.icu</code> package. Migration is easy, and mostly entails
261 simply changing from the <code>com.java.icu</code> namespace to
262 <code>android.icu</code>. If you are already using an ICU4J bundle in your
263 apps, switching to the <code>android.icu</code> APIs provided in the Android
264 framework can produce substantial savings in APK size.
265</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800266
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800267<p>
268 To learn more about the Android ICU4J APIs, see <a href=
269 "{@docRoot}preview/features/icu4j-framework.html">ICU4J Support</a>.
270</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800271
272<h2 id="android_tv_recording">Android TV recording</h2>
273
274<p>Android N adds the ability to record and playback content from Android TV input
275services via new recording APIs. Building on top of existing time-shifting
276APIs, TV input services can control what channel data can be recorded, how
277recorded sessions are saved, and manage user interaction with recorded content. </p>
278
279<p>For more information, see <a
280href="{@docRoot}preview/features/tv-recording-api.html">Android TV Recording APIs</a>.</p>
281
282<h2 id="accessibility_enhancements">Accessibility enhancements</h2>
283
284
285<p>Android N now offers Vision Settings directly on the Welcome screen for new
286device setup. This makes it much easier for users to discover and configure
287accessibility features on their devices, including magnification gesture, font
288size, display size, and TalkBack. </p>
289
290<p>With these accessibility features getting more prominent placement, your users
291are more likely to try your app with them enabled. Make sure you test your apps
292early with these settings enabled. You can enable them from Settings >
293Accessibility.</p>
294
295<p>Also in Android N, accessibility services can now help users with motor
296impairments to touch the screen. The new API allows building services with
297features such as face-tracking, eye-tracking, point scanning, and so on, to
298meet the needs of those users.</p>
299
300<p>For more information, see <code>android.accessibilityservice.GestureDescription</code>
301 in the downloadable <a href="{@docRoot}preview/setup-sdk.html#docs-dl">API Reference</a>.</p>
302
303<h2 id="number-blocking">Number-blocking</h2>
304
305<p>Android N now supports number-blocking in the platform and provides a
306framework API to let service providers maintain a blocked-number list. The
307default SMS app, the default phone app, and provider apps can read from and
308write to the blocked-number list. The list is not accessible to other apps.</p>
309
310<p>By making number-blocking a standard feature of the platform, Android provides
311a consistent way for apps to support number-blocking across a wide range of
312devices. Among the other benefits that apps can take advantage of are:</p>
313
314<ul>
315 <li> Numbers blocked on calls are also blocked on texts
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800316 <li> Blocked numbers can persist across resets and devices through the Backup &amp;
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800317Restore feature
318 <li> Multiple apps can use the same blocked numbers list
319</ul>
320
321<p>Additionally, carrier app integration through Android means that carriers can
322read the blocked numbers list on the device and perform service-side blocking
323for the user in order to stop unwanted calls and texts from reaching the user
324through any medium, such as a VOIP endpoint or forwarding phones.</p>
325
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800326<p>
327 For more information, see <code>android.provider.BlockedNumberContract</code>
328 in the downloadable <a href="{@docRoot}preview/setup-sdk.html#docs-dl">API
329 Reference</a>.
330</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800331
332<h2 id="call_screening">Call screening</h2>
333
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800334<p>
335 Android N allows the default phone app to screen incoming calls. The phone
336 app does this by implementing the new <code>CallScreeningService</code>,
337 which allows the phone app to perform a number of actions based on an
338 incoming call's {@link android.telecom.Call.Details Call.Details}, such as:
339</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800340
341<ul>
342 <li> Reject the incoming call
343 <li> Do not allow the call to the call log
344 <li> Do not show the user a notification for the call
345</ul>
346
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800347<p>
348 For more information, see <code>android.telecom.CallScreeningService</code>
349 in the downloadable <a href="{@docRoot}preview/setup-sdk.html#docs-dl">API
350 Reference</a>.
351</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800352
353
354<h2 id="direct_boot">Direct boot</h2>
355
356<p>Direct boot improves device startup times and lets registered
357apps have limited functionality even after an unexpected reboot.
358For example, if an encrypted device reboots while the user is sleeping,
359registered alarms, messages and incoming calls can now continue notify
360the user as normal. This also means accessibility services can also be
361 available immediately after a restart.</p>
362
363<p>Direct boot takes advantage of file based encryption in Android N
364to enable fine grained encryption policies for both system and app data.
365The system uses a device-encrypted store for select system data and explicitly
366registered app data. By default a credential-encrypted store is used for all
367 other system data, user data, apps, and app data. </p>
368
369<p>At boot, the system starts in a restricted mode with access to
370device-encrypted data only, and without general access to apps or data.
371If you have components that you want to run in this mode, you can register
372them by setting a flag in the manifest. After restart, the system activates
373registered components by broadcasting the <code>LOCKED_BOOT_COMPLETED</code>
374intent. The system ensures registered device-encrypted app data is available
375before unlock. All other data is unavailable until the User confirms their lock
376 screen credentials to decrypt it. </p>
377
378For more information, see <a href="{@docRoot}preview/features/direct-boot.html">Direct Boot</a>.</p>
379</p>
380
381
382 <h3 id="key_attestation">Key Attestation</h3>
383
384<p>Hardware-backed keystores provide a much safer method to create, store,
385and use cryptographic keys on Android devices. They protect keys from the
386Linux kernel, potential Android vulnerabilities, and extraction
Adarsh Fernando37601562016-03-09 09:53:57 -0800387from rooted devices.</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800388
389<p>To make it easier and more secure to use hardware-backed keystores,
390Android N introduces Key Attestation. Apps and off-devices can use Key
391Attestation to strongly determine whether an RSA or EC key pair is
392hardware-backed, what the properties of the key pair are, and what
393 constraints are applied to its usage and validity. </p>
394
395<p>Apps and off-device services can request information about a key pair
396through an X.509 attestation certificate which must be signed by a valid
397attestation key. The attestation key is an ECDSA signing key which is
398injected into the device’s hardware-backed keystore at the factory.
399Therefore, an attestation certificate signed by a valid attestation
400key confirms the existence of a hardware-backed keystore, along with
401 details of key pairs in that keystore.</p>
402
403<p>To ensure that the device is using a secure, official Android factory
404image, Key Attestation requires that the device <a
405class="external-link"
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800406href="https://source.android.com/security/verifiedboot/verified-boot.html#bootloader_requirements">bootloader</a>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800407provide the following information to the <a class="external-link"
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800408href="https://source.android.com/security/trusty/index.html">Trusted
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800409Execution Environment (TEE)</a>:</p>
410
411<ul>
412<li>The OS version and patch level installed on the device</li>
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800413<li>The <a class="external-link" href="https://source.android.com/security/verifiedboot/index.html">Verified
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800414Boot</a> public key and lock status</li>
415 </ul>
416
417<p>For more information about the hardware-backed keystore feature,
418see the guide for <a href="">Hardware-backed Keystore</a>.
419
420 <p>In addition to Key Attestation, Android N also introduces
421 fingerprint-bound keys that are not revoked on fingerprint enrollment.</p>
422
423 <h3 id="network_security_config">Network Security Config</h3>
424
425<p>In Android N, apps can customize the behavior of their secure (HTTPS, TLS)
426connections safely, without any code modification, by using the declarative
427<em>Network Security Config</em> instead of using the conventional
428error-prone programmatic APIs (e.g. X509TrustManager).</p>
429
430 <p>Supported features:</p>
431<ul>
432<li><b>Custom trust anchors.</b> Lets an application customize which
433Certificate Authorities (CA) are trusted for its secure connections. For
434example, trusting particular self-signed certificates or a restricted set of public CAs.
435</li>
436<li><b>Debug-only overrides.</b> Lets an application developer safely debug
437secure connections of their application without added risk to the installed
438base.
439</li>
440<li><b>Cleartext traffic opt-out.</b> Lets an application protect itself from
441accidental usage of cleartext traffic.</li>
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800442<li><b>Certificate pinning.</b> An advanced feature that lets an application
443 limit which server keys are trusted for secure connections.</li>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800444</ul>
445
446<p>For more information, see <a
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800447href="{@docRoot}preview/features/security-config.html">Network Security
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800448Config</a>.</p>
449
450 <h3 id="default_trusted_ca">Default Trusted Certificate Authority</h3>
451
452<p>By default, apps that target Android N only trust system-provided certificates
453and no longer trust user-added Certificate Authorities (CA). Apps targeting Android
454N that wish to trust user-added CAs should use the
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800455<a href="{@docRoot}preview/features/security-config.html">Network Security Config</a> to
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800456specify how user CAs should be trusted.</p>
457
458 <h3 id="apk_signature_v2">APK signature scheme v2</h3>
459<p>The PackageManager class now supports verifying apps using the APK
460signature scheme v2. The APK signature scheme v2 is a whole-file signature scheme
461that significantly improves verification speed and strengthens integrity
462 guarantees by detecting any unauthorized changes to APK files.</p>
463
464<p>To maintain backward-compatibility, an APK must be signed with the v1 signature
465scheme (JAR signature scheme) before being signed with the v2 signature scheme.
466With the v2 signature scheme, verification fails if you sign the APK with an
467 additional certificate after signing with the v2 scheme. </p>
468
469<p>APK signature scheme v2 support will be available later in the N Developer
470Preview.</p>
471
472<h2 id="scoped_directory_access">Scoped directory access</h2>
473
474<p><p>In Android Android N, apps can use new APIs to request access to specific <a
475href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/data/data-storage.html#filesExternal">external
476storage</a> directories, including directories on removable media such as SD
477cards. The new APIs greatly simplify how your application accesses standard
478external storage directories, such as the <code>Pictures</code> directory. Apps
479like photo apps can use these APIs instead of using </p>
480
481<p><code>READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE</code>, which grants access to all storage
482directories, or the Storage Access Framework, which makes the user navigate to
483the directory.</p>
484
485<p>Additionally, the new APIs simplify the steps a user takes to grant external
486storage access to your app. When you use the new APIs, the system uses a simple
487permissions UI that clearly details what directory the application is
488requesting access to.</p>
489
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800490<p>For more information, see the
491<a href="{@docRoot}preview/features/scoped-folder-access.html">Scoped
492Directory Access</a> developer documentation.</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800493
494<h2 id="android_for_work">Android for Work</h2>
495
496<p>Android for Work adds many new features and APIs for devices running Android N.
497Some highlights are below &mdash; for a complete list of Android for Work updates
498related to Android N, please see Android for Work Changes.</p>
499
500<h3 id="work_profile_security_challenge">Work profile security challenge </h3>
501
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800502<p>
503 Profile owners can specify a separate security challenge for apps running in
504 the work profile. The work challenge is shown when a user attempts to open
505 any work apps. Successful completion of the security challenge unlocks the
506 work profile and decrypts it if necessary. For profile owners,
507 <code>ACTION_SET_NEW_PASSWORD</code> prompts the user to set a work
508 challenge, and <code>ACTION_SET_NEW_PARENT_PROFILE_PASSWORD</code> prompts
509 the user to set a device lock.
510</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800511
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800512<p>
513 Profile owners can set distinct password policies for the work challenge
514 (such as how long the PIN needs to be, or whether a fingerprint can be used
515 to unlock the profile) using the <code>setPasswordQuality()</code>,
516 <code>setPasswordMinimumLength()</code> and related methods. The profile
517 owner can also set the device lock using the <code>DevicePolicyManager</code>
518 instance returned by the new <code>getParentProfileInstance()</code> method.
519 Additionally, profile owners can customize the credentials screen for the
520 work challenge using the new <code>setOrganizationColor()</code> and
521 <code>setOrganizationName()</code> methods.
522</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800523<h3 id="turn_off_work">Turn off work </h3>
524
525<p>On a device with a work profile, users can toggle work mode. When work mode is
526off the managed user is temporarily shut down, which disables work profile
527apps, background sync, and notifications. This includes the profile owner
528application. When work mode is off, the system displays a persistent status
529icon to remind the user that they can't launch work apps. The launcher
530indicates that work apps and widgets are not accessible. </p>
531
532<h3 id="always_on_vpn">Always on VPN </h3>
533
534<p>Device owners and profile owners can ensure that work apps always connect
535through a specified VPN. The system automatically starts that VPN after the
536device boots.</p>
537
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800538<p>
539 New <code>DevicePolicyManager</code> methods are
540 <code>setAlwaysOnVpnPackage()</code> and
541 <code>getAlwaysOnVpnPackage()</code>.
542</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800543
544<p>Because VPN services can be bound directly by the system without app
545interaction, VPN clients need to handle new entry points for Always on VPN. As
546before, services are indicated to the system by an intent filter matching
547action <code>android.net.VpnService</code>. </p>
548
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800549<p>
550 Users can also manually set Always on VPN clients that implement
551 <code>VPNService</code> methods in the primary user using
552 <strong>Settings&gt;More&gt;Vpn</strong>.
553</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800554
555
556<h2 id="jit_aot">Profile-guided JIT/AOT compilation</h2>
557
558<p>In Android N, we've added a Just in Time (JIT) compiler with code profiling to
559ART, which lets it constantly improve the performance of Android apps as they
560run. The JIT compiler complements ART's current Ahead of Time (AOT) compiler
561and helps improve runtime performance, save storage space, and speed up app
562updates and system updates.</p>
563
564<p>Profile-guided compilation lets ART manage the AOT/JIT compilation for each app
565according to its actual usage, as well as conditions on the device. For
566example, ART maintains a profile of each app's hot methods and can precompile
567and cache those methods for best performance. It leaves other parts of the app
568uncompiled until they are actually used.</p>
569
570<p>Besides improving performance for key parts of the app, profile-guided
571compilation helps reduce an app's overall RAM footprint, including associated
572binaries. This feature is especially important on low-memory devices.</p>
573
574<p>ART manages profile-guided compilation in a way that minimizes impact on the
575device battery. It does precompilation only when then the device is idle and
576charging, saving time and battery by doing that work in advance.</p>
577
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800578<h2 id="quick_path_to_app_install">Quick path to app install</h2>
579
580<p>One of the most tangible benefits of ART's JIT compiler is the speed of app
581installs and system updates. Even large apps that required several minutes to
582optimize and install in Android 6.0 can now install in just a matter of
583seconds. System updates are also faster, since there's no more optimizing step. </p>
584
585<h2 id="doze_on_the_go">Doze on the go...</h2>
586
587<p>Android 6.0 introduced Doze, a system mode that saves battery by deferring
588apps' CPU and network activities when the device is idle, such as when it's
589sitting on a table or in a drawer. </p>
590
591<p>Now in Android N, Doze takes a step further and saves battery while on the go.
592Any time the screen is off for a period of time and the device is unplugged,
593Doze applies a subset of the familiar CPU and network restrictions to apps.
594This means users can save battery even when carrying their devices in their
595pockets.</p>
596
597
598
599
600
601<p>A short time after the screen turns off while the device is on battery, Doze
602restricts network access and defers jobs and syncs. During brief maintenance
603windows, applications are allowed network access and any of their deferred
604jobs/syncs are executed. Turning the screen on or plugging in the device brings
605the device out of Doze.</p>
606
607<p>When the device is stationary again, with screen off and on battery for a
608period of time, Doze applies the full CPU and network restrictions on {@link
609android.os.PowerManager.WakeLock}, {@link android.app.AlarmManager} alarms, and
610GPS/Wi-Fi scans.</p>
611
612<p>The best practices for adapting your app to Doze are the same whether the
613device is moving or not, so if you already updated your app to gracefully
614handle Doze, you're all set. If not, start <a
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800615href="{@docRoot}training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby.html#assessing_your_app">adapting
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800616your app to Doze</a> now.</p>
617
618<h2 id="background_optimizations">Project Svelte: Background optimizations</h2>
619
620<p>Project Svelte is an ongoing effort to minimize RAM use by system and apps
621across the range of Android devices in the ecosystem. In Android N, Project
622Svelte is focused on optimizing the way apps run in the background. </p>
623
624<p>Background processing is an essential part of most apps. When handled right, it
625can make your user experience amazing &mdash; immediate, fast, and context-aware.
626When not handled right, background processing can needlessly consume RAM (and
627battery) and affect system performance for other apps. </p>
628
629<p>Since Android 5.0, {@link android.app.job.JobScheduler} has been the preferred way of performing background work in a way that's good
630for users. Apps can schedule jobs while letting the system optimize based on
631memory, power, and connectivity conditions. JobScheduler offers control and
632simplicity, and we want all apps to use it. </p>
633
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800634<p>
635 Another good option is <a href=
636 "https://developers.google.com/android/reference/com/google/android/gms/gcm/GcmNetworkManager">
637 <code>GCMNetworkManager</code></a>, part of Google Play Services, which
638 offers similar job scheduling with compatibility across legacy versions of
639 Android.
640</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800641
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800642<p>We're continuing to extend <code>JobScheduler</code> and <code>GCMNetworkManager</code> to meet more of
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800643your use cases &mdash; for example, in Android N you can now schedule background
644work based on changes in Content Providers. At the same time we're starting to
645deprecate some of the older patterns that can reduce system performance,
646especially on low-memory devices.</p>
647
648<p>In Android N we're removing three commonly-used implicit broadcasts &mdash;
Adarsh Fernando37601562016-03-09 09:53:57 -0800649 {@link android.net.ConnectivityManager#CONNECTIVITY_ACTION}, {@link
650 android.hardware.Camera#ACTION_NEW_PICTURE}, and {@link
651 android.hardware.Camera#ACTION_NEW_VIDEO} &mdash; since those can wake the
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800652background processes of multiple apps at once and strain memory and battery. If
653your app is receiving these, take advantage of the N Developer Preview to
654 migrate to <code>JobScheduler</code> and related APIs instead. </p>
655
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800656<p>
657 Take a look at the <a href=
658 "{@docRoot}preview/features/background-optimization.html">Background
659 Optimizations</a> documentation for details.
660</p>
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800661
662<h2 id="gles_32">OpenGL&trade; ES 3.2 API</h2>
663
664<p>Android N adds framework interfaces and platform support for OpenGL ES 3.2, including:</p>
665
666<ul>
667 <li> All extensions from the <a class="external-link"
668href="https://www.khronos.org/registry/gles/extensions/ANDROID/ANDROID_extension_pack_es31a.txt">Android Extension Pack</a></a> (AEP) except for <code>EXT_texture_sRGB_decode</code>.
669 <li> Floating-point framebuffers for HDR and deferred shading.
670 <li> BaseVertex draw calls to enable better batching and streaming.
671 <li> Robust buffer access control to reduce WebGL overhead.
672</ul>
673
674<p>The framework API for OpenGL ES 3.2 on Android N is provided with the
675<code>GLES32</code> class. When using OpenGL ES 3.2, be sure to declare the
Andrew Solovay9b218572016-03-09 11:17:07 -0800676requirement in your manifest file, using the <code>&lt;uses-feature&gt;</code> tag and
Dirk Doughertycf65e4842016-03-07 22:31:57 -0800677the <code>android:glEsVersion</code> attribute. </p>
678
679<p>For information about using OpenGL ES, including how to check a device's
680supported OpenGL ES version at runtime, see the <a
681href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/graphics/opengl.html">OpenGL ES API guide</a>.</p>
682
683