graphics API Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Google raises Android 15’s onboard storage requirements to 32GB

Android 15 mandates a minimum of 32GB of onboard storage for devices, enforced through GMS licensing, while devices with less than 32GB can still operate AOSP builds. Phones with 3GB of memory or less must use Android Go Edition. The shift from 16GB to 32GB is the first significant increase in system requirements since Android 13. Android 15 also requires Vulkan 1.3 graphics support in chipsets, unless using Android Go Edition. Devices with 3GB of RAM or less must run Android Go Edition, increasing the previous threshold from 2GB, while the baseline requirement of 2GB memory for GMS licensing remains unchanged.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Google will require new Android 16 devices to support this game-changing graphics feature

Most Android devices now support Vulkan, with the latest version, Vulkan 1.4, introducing a feature called Host Image Copy that can greatly improve game performance on upcoming Android 16 devices. Host Image Copy allows for faster app loads, reduces stutter, and lowers GPU memory usage by enabling the CPU to copy image data directly between host memory and GPU image memory.

BetaBeacon

March 16, 2025

Android 16 looks to be even better for gamers than we expected

Google has introduced Vulkan as the new default graphics API for Android, replacing OpenGL. This change brings advanced rendering features like ray tracing and multithreading, promising richer visuals for games. The shift to Vulkan could influence the choice of gaming handhelds for consumers, especially those running on older versions of Android. There is hope for devices with more recent hardware to benefit from performance enhancements with the adoption of Vulkan. The move is expected to have a positive impact on gaming handhelds, smartphones, and tablets in the long run.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC

Google has introduced new features for PC and mobile gaming, coinciding with the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Key updates include the transition of Google Play Games for PC from beta to general availability, a dedicated SDK for native PC games, enhanced Play Console for managing game builds, and default availability of mobile games on PC via the Play Store. Optimized games will feature specific icons, and support for AMD-based devices is forthcoming. A new Graphics API named Vilkan will improve frame rates and visual fidelity, and the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) will be enhanced. Developers can launch user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulated and native PC titles, and port their games to Google Play for PC, potentially earning additional revenue. New PC-optimized titles announced include “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING.” Google will also bring PC titles like “DREDGE” and “TABS Mobile” to mobile, with “Disco Elysium” to follow. Customizable controls for PC games will be introduced, along with a game sidebar for quick adjustments and multi-account support. Play Points tracking on PC will be simplified, with up to 10x points boosters for purchases.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Game on: Elevate your gameplay across mobile and PC

Developers are being equipped with Vulkan, a modern graphics API, and the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) to improve gameplay on Android devices. Vulkan allows for smoother frame rates and more realistic visuals, while ADPF helps optimize device performance for a stable and responsive gaming experience.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Google wants games to run smoother and play seamlessly across devices with new updates

Google is making Vulkan the default graphics API for Android, allowing for advanced rendering features like ray tracing and multithreading. The ANGLE driver converts OpenGL games to Vulkan for smoother gameplay. Google Play Games is bringing more PC exclusives to mobile and making mobile games easier to play on desktops.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

PC games coming to Android, Google Play Games on Windows exiting beta soon

Google is launching a pilot program to simplify bringing PC games to mobile on Android.

BetaBeacon

March 14, 2025

Here’s how Google is making it easier for developers to port PC games to Android

Vulkan is now the official graphics API for Android, providing developers with more direct control over the GPU and improved performance in multi-threaded applications. Over 85% of active Android phones now support Vulkan, making it the preferred graphics API. Additionally, Google has partnered with Unity Technologies to make Vulkan integration easier with the Unity game engine and has collaborated with MediaTek to optimize the Android Dynamic Performance Framework for MediaTek chips.