The Extensions SDK is what makes options like Photograph Picker attainable on older Android variations.
Undertaking Mainline is a approach for Google to ship updates to some essential system elements by means of the Google Play Companies framework and the Google Play Retailer. Every Mainline module is delivered as both an APK file, an APEX file, or an APK-in-APEX. When a Mainline module is being up to date, the person sees a “Google Play System Replace” (GPSU) notification on their gadget. Successfully, to ship updates to essential elements, Google has bypassed the necessity to look forward to an OEM to roll out an replace, selecting to do the duty itself. The corporate has now launched the primary public model of the Extension SDK, and it is delivered to units by way of a system module.
The most important utility of the extension SDK for builders is the flexibility to deliver the brand new Photograph Picker API to units operating Android 11 and newer, regardless of being a function that launched with Android 13. Google additionally says that builders will have the ability to implement AdServices APIs to prepare for testing the Android Privateness Sandbox that is anticipated to launch in beta later this yr. It is an instance of how the Extension SDK can be utilized to backport options to older Android variations with out requiring a full system replace.
Builders can verify what model of the Extension SDK is put in on a person’s gadget by querying the extension model at runtime in the identical approach they might verify different gadget attributes, similar to construct model. The AdServices API has been added in Extension SDK model 4, however Photograph Picker has been there since model 2.
Within the case of builders who’re utilizing Android Studio Flamingo or newer, they may have the ability to robotically generate the right model checks for APIs which have launched by way of the Extension SDK. It is fully optionally available, however could assist builders implement new options as they turn into out there.You’ll be able to learn extra about SDK Extensions and the documentation on the Privateness Sandbox Beta and the picture picker.