Google Encourages Android App Developers to Limit Hardware Requirements

Google has decided to initiate a campaign aimed at encouraging Android app developers to lower their hardware requirements. The multitude of devices operating under the Android system makes universal apps increasingly difficult to create. Differences in interfaces and functions of individual devices lead to compatibility issues. For example, requiring a camera that is not available on all devices results in apps with that feature being marked as incompatible. Google suggests that developers carefully analyze the need for specific requirements and make them optional to increase app compatibility.

In the case of banking apps, Google notes that they should not require a device with an autofocus camera for check scanning. It would be sufficient to allow users to send a photo of the check from another source. Additionally, apps should not require a specific screen orientation, as some devices, such as cars, have a fixed horizontal orientation. Even if an app supports both horizontal and vertical orientation, it should not require vertical support to avoid excluding such devices.

Google’s campaign aims to increase app compatibility on Android and make it easier for users to utilize them. Currently, there are no official statistics available regarding the number of apps that pose problems due to excessively high hardware requirements. However, Google acknowledges that with over 3.7 million items in the Play Store, there is a significant chance for chaos. Google encourages app developers to analyze and lower their hardware requirements to ensure maximum compatibility with different devices.

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