Beginning Android 4

Chapter 29

Handling Platform Changes

Android has been rapidly evolving since its initial release, and will continue to do so over the next few years. Perhaps, in time, the rate of change will decline some. However, for the present, you should assume that there will be significant Android releases every 6 to 12 months, and changes to the lineup of possible Android hardware on an ongoing basis. So, while right now the focus of Android is phones and tablets, soon you will see Android netbooks, Android TVs, Android media players, and so on.

Many of these changes will have little impact on your existing code. Some, though, will necessitate at least new rounds of testing for your applications, and perhaps changes to those applications based upon ...