Google Introduces Neural Networks API in Developer Preview of Android 8.1

Google has recently released the beta version android 8.1 Oreo and with this release, google also introduced a neural network API. A neural networks API is said to take the load of the CPU or processor in a mobile phone. With the neural networks API complex operations can now be performed in a more efficient manner and also a lot faster.

Benefits of an Neural Networks API:

The neural networks API not only keeps sensitive data on the phone itself but also reduces the load on the network. The neural networks API is a base layer of functionality for frameworks like Caffe2, Tensor Flow Lite and many others. Neural Network API is available for devices running android 8.1 and above. The neural networks API supports inferencing like classifying images and predicting user behavior. By supporting inferencing a neural network API reduces latency, can run even when it is outside network coverage, Can increase speed of processing, it ensures  the security of an individual’s data and there will not be a need of a sever when all computations will be performed on the phone itself.

How does Neural Networks API Function?

The neural network API needs the help of a CPU or special AI chip to function, such as that in the recently released Pixel 2 phones. As of now the AI chip in the google pixel 2 phones were dormant but with the release of the android 8.1 oreo beta version it is said that the AI chip in the phone will be activated.

Neural Networks API for Basic Phones:

Google plans on using the neural network API to help developers in making apps more suitable for basic versions of smartphones. Google is going to do this by releasing more optimizations for android go.  Android Go is meant for phones with poor specifications, low memory that is running on 1 GB RAM or less and has bad connectivity.

With the release of android 8.1 Oreo Google has also introduced updates to autofill which will make life simpler for password managers while using the framework.

How will a Neural Networks API affect a Developers Work?

A Neural networks API is said to involve a lot of operations that will be performed locally rather than needing a server this means that developers will have to monitor a battery’s usage when developing an app.

Also developers will have to keep track of their app’s size and many users would not prefer a single app taking up a lot of space on their phones.

Actual release of 8.1 Oreo:

Right now if you are a developer you can sign up to the beta version of android 8.1 Oreo, while customers or end users have to wait for December to update their android.