Samuel Bright’s Post

Did you know we offer a free newsletter for our developer and business communities? Sign up here for the latest news, updates, and tips for growing your app on Google Play ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gvmieanS

At Google I/O, the Android team demonstrated several exciting new AI features coming to Android Studio. But if you want to get a head start on enhancing apps with AI, the Google AI Studio now offers Gemini integrations that you can begin experimenting with today. In this blog, my colleague Paris Hsu offers step-by-step instructions for turning simple images of an app's UI into working code, “circling” problem areas on a screenshot along with including the relevant Compose code context to generate suggested code fixes from Gemini, and using tailored Gemini prompts to add new experiences to your app. We love helping developers improve their app development processes, and we hope these features will make it easier to bring your creations to life. Try them out, and let us know what you think!

Even though Pride Month has ended, let's keep celebrating the talented group of developers behind apps built by and for the LGBTQ+ community on Google Play. These #WeArePlay stories honor each founder’s journey and commitment to helping LGBTQIA+ people connect, unwind, and feel seen. Whether you’re part of the community or an ally, I encourage you to check out their apps or share them with a friend: “one night, hot springs,” an interactive, visual novel that follows a day in the life of a transgender character in Japan. Evolve, a mental health support app designed for the LGBTQIA+ community. Project Ensō, a platform that supports LGBTQIA+ developers and publishes authentic, queer visual novels and indie games Taimi, an inclusive dating app and social network. These apps and their creators inspire us to continue advocating for truly inclusive experiences on Google Play. You can read more about their stories here: https://lnkd.in/gaBAFWHJ

I was really excited to see the first episode of #StartupsSpotlights with Google Play go live earlier this month. This series gives startup founders from India a platform to discuss their apps and share their journey to success. In the first episode, Yannick Colaco shares how he channeled his love for sports into FanCode, an app that connects over 100 million sports fans in India to live games and sports content they love. Watch Yannick’s episode here, and stay tuned for more spotlights coming later this year. 👇

Our #WeArePlay series celebrates developers whose apps bring positive experiences to people around the world. Zülal’s story reminds us that the most impactful apps not only entertain but also simplify day-to-day tasks. Zülal was born with limited sight and has used visual assistive technologies since age 4. Her groundbreaking app, FYE, uses AI and human input to fill the gaps left by traditional technology and describe the visual world in vivid detail. Her journey started with a desire to take back control of how she experiences the world. Now, she’s growing her app to help millions of people with visual impairments gain a greater sense of independence and connection to the world around them. It’s our goal to make Google Play a vibrant platform for discovery for everyone, wherever they are. But it’s developers like Zülal who build experiences that continue to inspire far beyond the first download.

📣 #GoogleIO Connect Berlin is happening on June 27! This event covers the latest updates from Google I/O and gives developers the chance to attend interactive sessions on new products, platforms, and tools they can apply to their work. Our teams are especially excited to hear what Android developers across Europe, Middle East and Africa share as takeaways and feedback from the mobile-focused sessions with Android and Google Play. Explore the agenda here and stay tuned for a recap after the event: https://lnkd.in/gFyCTMUQ

Juneteenth commemorates not just the end of slavery, but also the ongoing pursuit of equal opportunity. That’s why, at Google Play, we set goals, track our progress, and hold managers accountable for creating a culture where Playmakers feel included, driving equitable hiring and retention, and building products that reflect and include our users and developers around the world. This work isn’t about a series of moments throughout any one year, or a box that you check off and move on. It should be integrated into the foundation of a business as a commitment to users, developers, and employees. As you celebrate #Juneteenth this week, I encourage you to reflect on how you can seek out and advocate for underrepresented voices in your organization and the world at large.