Android Pie

Android Pie
Current screenshot: Paowee, Previous screenshot: Mhaikal a · Apache License 2.0 · source
Name	Android Pie
Developer	Google
Family	Linux
Source model	Open source with proprietary components
Released	August 6, 2018
Latest release	9.0 (API level 28)
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux)
Preceded by	Android 8.0 "Oreo"
Succeeded by	Android 10

Android Pie

Android Pie is the ninth major release and the 16th version of a mobile operating system developed by Google for smartphone and tablet computer devices. Announced at a developer conference and released in 2018, the update introduced a range of changes to user interaction, system intelligence, and platform APIs that affected manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus, and Google's own Pixel line. The release intersected with developments in machine learning, privacy law, and platform fragmentation debates across the mobile industry.

History and development

Development for Android Pie was led within Google's teams in coordination with contributors from the Android Open Source Project and chipmakers including Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung Electronics. Pre-release previews were distributed at Google I/O and through beta programs involving partners like Essential Products and the Android Beta Program. The design and feature set drew on research from projects such as TensorFlow and standards discussions at the World Wide Web Consortium, while security work referenced efforts by organizations including the Open Source Security Foundation and recommendations from agencies like the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Compatibility initiatives involved collaboration with the Linux kernel community and carriers including Verizon Communications and AT&T Inc..

Features

Pie incorporated adaptive technologies informed by machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow Lite and APIs targeting contextual suggestions similar to features from Google Assistant. New battery management and background execution limits extended previous work from Doze and tied into power optimizations promoted by vendors like ARM Holdings. The platform added support for HEIF image compression and the ART (Android Runtime) improvements for faster app startup, reflecting coordination with projects such as OpenJDK. Multimedia capabilities included enhancements for HDR10+ and codec support aligned with the Moving Picture Experts Group. Enterprise and management features referenced standards from Mobile Device Management providers and compatibility with services like Microsoft Intune and VMware.

User interface and design

The system introduced a gesture-based navigation model influenced by trends from devices by Apple Inc. and vendors like Xiaomi, alongside refined Visual Language guidelines from Google's material design teams. The notification system refined inline actions and bundled conversations, building on work present in earlier releases and guidance from accessibility groups including World Wide Web Consortium. Adaptive brightness, suggested app actions, and a revamped overview screen integrated machine learning components from Google Research. Keyboard and input improvements considered contributions from firms such as SwiftKey and standards bodies like the Internet Engineering Task Force for internationalization.

Security and privacy

Security enhancements in Pie continued mandatory device encryption timelines and implemented TLS defaults informed by recommendations from Internet Engineering Task Force and cryptographic guidance from OpenSSL contributors. The OS introduced more granular permission controls following trends set by plaintiffs and regulators in cases handled by jurisdictions including the European Commission and privacy frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation. Work on secure boot, verified boot states, and hardware-backed key storage involved collaboration with Trusted Platform Module vendors and the Android Verified Boot initiative. Google also engaged with vulnerability researchers from groups such as Project Zero and coordinated disclosure policies with vendors and carriers.

Hardware support and performance

Support for notch displays, multiple camera streams, and heterogeneous hardware leveraged interfaces specified by the Linux kernel and chipset documentation from Qualcomm Snapdragon series and Exynos platforms. Performance optimizations included scheduler and low-level power improvements contributed by SoC vendors and device manufacturers like Sony Corporation and LG Electronics. Pie added APIs to better manage camera sensors, depth data, and motion sensors, enabling features seen in devices from companies such as Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. and action-camera makers like GoPro. Thermal management and frame-rate stability referenced thermal control strategies common in gaming handhelds from Nintendo and PC graphics driver approaches.

Release and adoption

The stable release rolled out to Google's Pixel devices first, followed by carrier and manufacturer updates for models from Samsung Electronics, OnePlus Technology, Xiaomi Corporation, and Nokia (HMD Global). The update process highlighted ongoing fragmentation discussed at industry events such as Mobile World Congress and regulatory hearings before bodies like the Federal Communications Commission. Enterprise adoption was tracked by analysts at firms including Gartner and IDC, while aftermarket and custom ROM communities such as LineageOS and developers on sites like XDA Developers provided alternate builds and support.

Reception and legacy

Critics and reviewers at publications including The Verge, Ars Technica, and Wired praised gesture navigation and adaptive features but noted concerns about inconsistent rollout from manufacturers and interaction learning curves echoed by commentators at TechCrunch. The release influenced subsequent design directions in Android 10 and spurred vendor investments in update mechanisms, reflected in initiatives like Google's Project Treble and industry commitments tracked by organizations such as the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. Academic and industry research on mobile UX and privacy cited Pie's balance of machine learning and permission controls in conferences like CHI and USENIX, contributing to ongoing debates about platform responsibility and user autonomy.

Category:Android (operating system) versions