Google Play Services is a proprietary software program package deal produced by Google for set up on Android devices. APIs and OAuth 2.0. It expanded to cover a wide range of Google providers, permitting purposes to communicate with the providers by common means. The packages’ services embody location monitoring and geofencing, single signal-on account providers, user health and fitness monitoring, cost processing, integrated promoting, and security scanning. Many apps on Android units rely upon the usage of Google Play Services, and the package requires the user to make use of a Google Account and agree to Google’s phrases of service. Distributing Google Play Services on an Android gadget requires a license from Google, which contractually prohibits system producers from producing Android devices that are incompatible with Google’s Android specs. Saved Games API is offered to sync game saves on Google’s cloud infrastructure. Location APIs provide specs about the location technologies, providing geofencing APIs for scheduling specific actions when the person enters or leaves particular geographic boundaries, Fused Location Provider acquires location data reminiscent of reduced energy utilization and exercise recognition for permitting applications to adapt to the present action of the user (e.g. cycling, strolling, etc.).

The Google Sign-in Android API supplies single sign-on, authenticating the consumer inside applications using Google Account credentials. The Google Maps Android API permits purposes to incorporate Google Maps or Street View with out the need to open a separate software, allowing full management over the digital camera and offering a means of including custom markers and map overlays. The Google Drive Android API permits Google Drive for use as a storage construction, providing lookup and syncing of paperwork together with other file manipulation instruments. The Google Cast Android API adds casting functionality to allow Android applications to display content material on TVs using Google Cast, moreover providing various helpers for common audio, video, and image types. Google Mobile Ads integrates advertisements into purposes, allowing monetization by focusing on ads based mostly on components akin to person location. The Google Pay API allows purchases of companies and goods via Google Pay. Other APIs embody the Google Fit API, account authentication strategies, and Google Analytics.

Google Play Services is used by virtually all Google apps that have system-degree powers. All major Android providers are managed by Google Play Services, and plenty of third-occasion apps also rely upon it. Without this and its requirement to log in with a Google Account, apps could not work correctly. Google Play Protect is a unification of Android security methods. In 2019, the corporate announced that the software program was scanning 50 million apps per day. On November 6, 2019, Google announced the App Defense Alliance. Partners can request Google Play Protect to analyze an app. Results are sent to the accomplice and Google Play Protect receives results from partners. As of November, 2019, companions of the App Defense Alliance include: ESET, Lookout and Zimperium. Google Play Services is mechanically updated by means of Google Play on units with Android 4.4 or newer. This implies Google can deliver updates without manufacturers having to update the Android firmware, working across the fragmentation of the platform that has change into infamous for Android products.

The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) was announced in 2007, and functioned as the baseline system for all OEMs and firmware modifications equivalent to CyanogenMod and LineageOS. Various AOSP apps have been transferred to Google Play with a closed-source mannequin. Many apps (such as Lyft, Uber, and most of the Google apps like Gmail and YouTube) operate only when the Google Play Services package deal is offered and enabled. Distributing Google Play Services as a part of the Google apps bundle requires a license from Google, which contractually prohibits system producers from producing Android gadgets that are incompatible with Google’s Android specs. Others who’re fascinated about modifying the Android system are required to either decide-out of Google Play Services or to acquire the Google apps package deal from both a gadget that has them pre-put in or an unofficial source. Ron Amadeo (3 September 2013). “Balky carriers and sluggish OEMs step aside: Google is defragging Android”. Google Online Security Blog. Amadeo, Ron (2 September 2013). “Balky carriers and gradual OEMs step aside: Google is defragging Android”. Ron Amadeo (21 October 2013). “Google’s iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means vital”.