This podcast episode introduces Project Mainline and Google Play system updates. Project Mainline aims to update modules through the Play Store on devices with pre-installed Google versions, ensuring updates across all devices. The focus is on security updates and consistency, with plans to expand updates to cover different parts of the system. The episode emphasizes the modularization aspect of Mainline updates and the significance of API updates. It also discusses the benefits of Mainline modules, including quicker availability of new APIs and functionalities across devices. Additionally, the episode touches upon the AndroidX library and its features.
Takeaways
• Project Mainline is an approach that involves updating modules through the Play Store on devices with pre-installed Google versions.
• Mainline allows for updates across all devices, not just Pixel, and expands updates from security-related areas to other parts of the system.
• Mainline focuses on security updates and consistency across devices, ensuring users know what to expect.
• API updates are an important aspect of Mainline, and the modularization of modules allows for the evolution of APIs to provide user-visible enhancements.
• Mainline modules provide a base Android version for specific modules, enabling faster and wider distribution of new APIs and functionalities.
• The AndroidX library simplifies version checks and provides smoother user experience for developers.
• Mainline collaboration with hardware manufacturers is crucial to ensure module needs are met.
• The challenges of modularizing old code and optimizing Mainline modules include balancing device functionality and storage usage.
• The future of Mainline includes streamlining release processes, considering new updatable areas, and optimizing the Android Go experience.
• Collaboration with OEMs and finding the right balance between standardization and customization is important in Mainline development.
