Android Programming: Pushing the Limits

Unleash the power of the Android OS and build the kinds of brilliant, innovative apps users love to use

If you already know your way around the Android OS and can build a simple Android app in under an hour, this book is for you. If you’re itching to see just how far you can push it and discover what Android is really capable of, it’s for you. And if you’re ready to learn how to build advanced, intuitive, innovative apps that are a blast to use, this book is definitely for you.

From custom views and advanced multi-touch gestures, to integrating online web services and exploiting the latest geofencing and activity recognition features, ace Android developer, Erik Hellman, delivers expert tips, tricks and little-known techniques for pushing the Android envelope so you can:

• Optimize your components for the smoothest user experience possible
• Create your own custom Views
• Push the boundaries of the Android SDK
• Master Android Studio and Gradle
• Make optimal use of the Android audio, video and graphics APIs
• Program in Text-To-Speech and Speech Recognition
• Make the most of the new Android maps and location API
• Use Android connectivity technologies to communicate with remote devices
• Perform background processing
• Use Android cryptography APIs
• Find and safely use hidden Android APIs
• Cloud-enable your applications with Google Play Services
• Distribute and sell your applications on Google Play Store

Learn how to unleash the power of Android and transform your apps from good to great in Android Programming: Pushing the Limits.

Table of Contents

Part I: Building a Better Foundation
Chapter 1: Fine-Tuning Your Development Environment
Chapter 2: Efficient Java Code for Android

Part II: Getting the Most Out of Components
Chapter 3: Components, Manifests, and Resources
Chapter 4: Android User Experience and Interface Design
Chapter 5: Android User Interface Operations
Chapter 6: Services and Background Tasks
Chapter 7: Android IPC
Chapter 8: Mastering BroadcastReceivers and Configuration Changes
Chapter 9: Data Storage and Serialization Techniques
Chapter 10: Writing Automated Tests

Part III: Pushing the Limits
Chapter 11: Advanced Audio, Video, and Camera Applications
Chapter 12: Secure Android Applications
Chapter 13: Maps, Location, and Activity APIs
Chapter 14: Native Code and JNI
Chapter 15: The Hidden Android APIs
Chapter 16: Hacking the Android Platform
Chapter 17: Networking, Web Service, and Remote APIs
Chapter 18: Communicating with Remote Devices
Chapter 19: Google Play Services
Chapter 20: Distributing Applications on Google Play Store