The Google Extension SDK offers new features for older Android versions

The GoogleIt has been working for years on a way for Android to provide updates through the Play Store. It released a public version of the Extension Developer Kit, which brings new features to older Android versions. This was its latest attempt at this.

Send it to me XDA DevelopersGoogle has made the SDK extension available publicly. Android 11 and 12 should now be able to use the SDK extension. This will enable them to access newer features that are exclusive to Android 13, such as the new API for photo picking.

Google modified Android so that permissions, Wi-Fi and media playback can all be updated separately. This gives Google greater control over how features get updated.

Before you get too excited, this feature is only for developers. Ext SDK may not be of any benefit to the average user.

The feature also allows Google to test Android Privacy sandbox, which is expected be released in beta later this year. This Privacy Sandbox is an alternative to the current ad tracking system. Send it to me XDA DevelopersThis illustrates how Extension SDK can add new features to your system without having to update the entire system.

Google has attempted to make older OS versions more accessible with the SDK Extension. Back during the Android 10 era, the company created something called Project Mainline — a way to eliminate fragmentation by making parts of the operating system available to be updated through the Play Store.