Google Play Services 4.1 Release

Google just dropped a game-changing update to Play Services that fundamentally shifts how mobile games handle multiplayer and how apps integrate with Drive. This isn't just another SDK update.

Google Play Services 4.1 introduces major new capabilities for Android developers, including asynchronous turn-based multiplayer for games supporting 2-8 players, a developer preview of the native Google Drive API for Android, and battery life improvements for location services. The update also brings full DoubleClick support to Mobile Ads and enhanced Google+ sharing.

Key Takeaways

• Turn-based multiplayer now supports 2-8 players with automatic turn data syncing
• New Drive API enables cross-device file sync with offline support
• Location-based ads improve monetization through publisher-provided location API
• Battery life improved for all users with Google Location Reporting enabled
• Enhanced Google+ sharing with better auto-complete from Gmail and device contacts

The new Drive API includes UI components that could dramatically simplify your file management implementation.