The NBA Pixel Arena app from Google has been updated in preparation for the playoffs
In time for the playoffs, Google updated its NBA Pixel Arena app, enabling basketball fans to take part in augmented reality virtual experiences. The app, which was released earlier this year, enables NBA fans to virtually enter a basketball arena using their smartphone, giving them an immersive experience.
The software has been updated to include a number of new experiences, such as AR face filters that let users turn into their favourite NBA players. Fans can also compete against friends and family members in a virtual shootout game to see who can score the most points.
The programme also offers a virtual tour of the NBA Finals that gives users an inside look at the renowned competition.
The NBA Pixel Arena app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store and is only available for Google Pixel devices. The software serves as a demonstration of the strength of augmented reality technology and how it might improve user experiences. The app gives basketball fans the chance to participate in the excitement and take in the NBA playoffs in a distinctive and immersive way as they approach.
By rebuilding with Jetpack Compose, Mercari cuts 355K lines of code—a 69% difference—from its code
According to a post on the official Android Developers blog, Mercari, one of the biggest online marketplaces in Japan, has successfully reduced the lines of code in its Android app by rewriting it with Jetpack Compose. The change has produced a more straightforward and effective codebase, making it simpler for programmers to maintain and upgrade the application.
For its Android app, Mercari had been employing a conventional XML-based layout system, which had led to the creation of a difficult-to-navigate, error-prone, and convoluted codebase. The business made the choice to rewrite the app using Jetpack Compose, a cutting-edge toolkit for creating Kotlin user interfaces.
As a result, there were 70% less lines of code, making the programme lighter and quicker to execute. The layout and logic are now combined into a single source file, making the new codebase easier to update and maintain. The Mercari team acknowledged that switching to Jetpack Compose wasn’t without its difficulties, but that the advantages of the new approach made it worthwhile. The team intends to keep looking into fresh uses for Jetpack Compose to enhance the Mercari app’s user interface.
Mercari’s effective usage of Jetpack Compose demonstrates how this cutting-edge toolkit has the potential to simplify app development and enhance user experiences. It also exemplifies the significance of continuously researching fresh technologies and methods for app development in order to maintain competitiveness in the quickly changing mobile market.
Amazing Google Maps Feature Time-Travels Your Street
Users of Google Maps may now browse old street photos thanks to a new feature dubbed “Street Maps.” Users can utilise this tool, which is now accessible on desktop and mobile platforms, to view how a specific street appeared in the past by utilising the street view feature.
Google’s Street View cars, which have been taking pictures of streets all over the world for more than ten years, are used to create the historical photos. Viewers can flip between the most recent and earlier pictures of the same location by using the slider on the left side of the screen. Many uses for this characteristic exist, ranging from personal reminiscence to historical study. Visitors can browse historical images of their favourite street or track the evolution of a certain location. Architects and urban planners can also use the function to examine how communities and cities have changed through time.
Only a few cities across the world currently offer the Street Maps feature, but Google wants to add additional places in the future. Users can access the function for free by searching for a location on Google Maps and choosing the street view option. The Street Maps feature offers a fascinating look into the past and a distinctive viewpoint on how our towns and communities have changed through time, all things considered.
A “DIY” security system from Google and ADT features sensors, a keypad, and integration with Nest
Leading provider of home security systems ADT has revealed that Google Nest devices will be incorporated into its protection portfolio. By utilising Google’s experience in home automation and security, ADT hopes to provide its clients with more sophisticated protection options. Customers of ADT will be able to use Google Nest products, including cameras, doorbells, and smart locks, to increase the security of their homes thanks to the integration. Customers will be able to control and monitor their home security via a single app, and ADT will offer expert installation and monitoring services for the devices.
The collaboration between ADT and Google Nest is noteworthy because it joins two of the biggest brands in home automation and security. It also emphasises the growing significance of smart home technology in the home security industry. Later this year, Google Nest devices should be able to be integrated with ADT’s security services. By offering clients a complete and cutting-tech security system, the move is anticipated to provide ADT a competitive edge in the home security market. The collaboration between ADT and Google Nest highlights the rising significance of smart home technology in the home security market. As more consumers adopt smart home technologies, we may anticipate seeing home security firms and technology companies further interact to create more sophisticated and integrated solutions.
