Google Play Services 4.4 Release

Google just rolled out Play Services 4.4 globally, and it's bringing Street View to Android apps for the first time. If you've been waiting to embed 360-degree panoramic imagery into your activities, this is your moment.

This 2014 release from Google's Android team introduces major enhancements across Maps, Location, Games Services, Mobile Ads, and Wallet APIs. The update is already available through the Android SDK manager and brings several developer-requested features to production.

Key Takeaways

• Street View API now embeds panoramic 360 views with programmatic camera control
• Activity Recognition adds Running and Walking detection to existing movement types
• Game Gifts UI supports multiple recipients for increased social engagement
• WalletFragment API simplifies Buy With Google button integration
• Indoor Maps gains custom floor picker control and building focus detection

The Mobile Ads update introduces a targeting capability that could fundamentally change how you monetize different user segments.