- Google is making it easier for devs to test their devices across a range of devices, using a new program called Android Device Streaming.
- Android Device Streaming allows devs to remotely connect to Android devices in Google’s data servers.
- Initially, the only device options were Pixels and a few Samsung products, but Google has promised it will be expanding to Xiaomi, Oppo, and others in the future.
- ADS may eventually cost, but Google plans to offer it for free to approved developers from now until sometime “around February 2025”.
Google first introduced Android Device Streaming at Google I/O 2014 as a way to make it easier for developers to test their apps on a wider range of hardware. Simply put, this technology allows developers to connect to real physical devices located in Google data centers. Initially, the program launched as a limited beta, primarily providing access to Google Pixel products, though a few Samsung devices were also included. Now, the pool of available test devices is about to expand significantly, according to Google’s latest blog post.
Although Google has yet to provide a list of supported devices, it says it will regularly add new phones from a wider range of brands, including Xiaomi, Oppo, and even more Samsung devices. At the very least, we would expect flagship devices like the Galaxy S24, but hopefully there’s more offered than just the very best Android phones. Mid-range and budget devices are equally important, as developers need to test their apps across a wide range of hardware to ensure broad compatibility.