Google’s New SDK Allows Developers to Build Multi-Device Apps

Google has launched the developer preview of the new cross-device SDK (software development kit) for a richer multi-device experience on Android. In a blog post, the tech giant revealed that the kit comprises of a simple intuitive set of APIs, compatible with the Android 8 version. 

The launch was first announced during the Google I/O ‘22 Multi-device development session. The SDK (software development kit) abstracts away the complexities involved with authentication, device discovery, and connection protocols, allowing developers to build delightful user experiences. 

The toolkit is available in a developer preview that only works with Android devices. However, the company plans to extend support to other platforms, along with non-Android operating systems such as Windows and iOS. 

The initial release contains a set of rich APIs, allowing developers to majorly work on three functionalities with the software development kit: 

1. Device discovery: To easily find nearby devices, authorize peer-to-peer communication, and start the target application on receiving devices
2. Secure connections: Enable the user to establish encrypted, low-latency bi-directional data sharing between authorized devices
3. Multi-device Sessions: Enable transferring an application’s user experience across multiple devices  

Source: Android Developer Blog, Google

Describing the multiple use cases for its toolkit, Google says it wants developers to implement it to make user experience more convenient. An example of this could be how it would help multiple people use separate devices to choose items off a menu while creating a group order. 

Another would be allowing a cab’s passengers to share a specific map location with the vehicle’s navigation system. 
Google plans to bring Nearby Share to Windows devices later this year, as reported in CES 2022 Keynote.