Ryan Haines/Android Authority
In brief
- With a new program called Android Device Streaming, Google is making it easier for developers to test their devices on a range of devices.
- Android Device Streaming allows developers to remotely connect to Android devices on Google’s data servers.
- Initially, the only device options were Pixel and some Samsung products, but Google has promised that it will expand to Xiaomi, Oppo and others in the future.
- ADS may cost something at some point, but Google plans to offer it free to approved developers from now until sometime “around February 2025.”
Google first introduced Android Device Streaming at Google I/O 2014 to make it easier for developers to test their apps on a wider range of hardware. Put simply, this technology allows developers to connect to real physical devices in Google data centers. Initially, the program launched as a limited beta and primarily offered access to Google Pixel products, although some Samsung devices were also included. According to Google’s latest blog post, the pool of available test devices is now set to expand significantly.
While Google hasn’t yet provided a list of supported devices, the company says it’s regularly adding new phones from a wider range of brands, including Xiaomi, Oppo, and even more Samsung devices. At the very least, we’re expecting flagship devices like the Galaxy S24, but hopefully there will be more on offer than just the very best Android phones. Mid-range and budget devices are just as important, as developers need to test their apps on a wide range of hardware to ensure broad compatibility.
The idea of Android Device Streaming is certainly intriguing, as it could save developers a lot of money by reducing the amount they would have to invest in testing hardware directly. The big question is whether using Android Device Streaming could pose a security risk. For its part, Google claims that it has worked to ensure a secure and efficient connection to Android Studio by isolating each session to prevent any information or trade secrets from leaking. Google says it is extra cautious here, even wiping and factory resetting all devices enrolled in the program immediately after each session before assigning them to other developers.
There’s no information on how much the program will ultimately cost, but initially Google is offering the service for free until “approximately February 2025.” Of course, developers will have to fill out a form and wait for approval, so there are no guarantees. If you’re a developer looking for a cheaper way to test your apps on a range of devices, we recommend filling out the form, which you can access directly from Google’s website, sooner rather than later.
