Google today started rolling out a new version of Google Play services (v4.4) that brings with it quite a lot of notable new features and additions including an enhanced Maps API for including Street view imagery within an app.
The company has also made major enhancements to the Location, Game Services, Mobile Ads and Wallet APIs in this release, which will allow developers to offer enhanced features and functionalities in their apps.
The new Maps API will allow developers to include Street view imagery within their app along with the ability to explore the world around through panoramic 360-degree views. The Indoor Maps API now also allows developers to turn off the floor picker.
In its present state, the Location API can detect whether the device is in a vehicle, on a bicycle, on foot or is tilting. With today’s update, Google is also introducing the ability to detect if the user is in a running or walking motion. This should allow developers of motion tracking apps to offer many advanced and unique features without severely affecting battery life.
Other notable enhancements in this update include the ability to allow users to select multiple game recipients while sending in-game gifts, a new API for developers to display in-app promo ads that will allow users to directly buy the displayed item from the publisher and a simpler Wallet API for easier Google Wallet integration.
Google Play services should silently update itself on all your Android devices within the next few days. However, you can always grab the APK from here and install it manually.
