Android Studio Meerkat Feature Drop is stable

Posted by Adarsh Fernando, Group Product Manager

Today, we're excited to announce the stable release of Android Studio Meerkat Feature Drop (2024.3.2)!

This release brings a host of new features and improvements designed to boost your productivity and enhance your development workflow. With numerous enhancements, this latest release helps you build high-quality Android apps faster and more efficiently: streamlined Jetpack Compose previews, new Gemini capabilities, better Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) integration, improved device management, and more.

Read on to learn about the key updates in Android Studio Meerkat Feature Drop, and download the latest stable version today to explore them yourself!

Developer Productivity Enhancements

Analyze Crash Reports with Gemini in Android Studio

Debugging production crashes can require you to spend significant time switching contexts between your crash reporting tool, such as Firebase Crashlytics and Android Vitals, and investigating root causes in the IDE. Now, when viewing reports in App Quality Insights (AQI), click the Insights tab. Gemini provides a summary of the crash, generates insights, and links to useful documentation. If you also provide Gemini with access to local code context, it can provide more accurate results, relevant next steps, and code suggestions. This helps you reduce the time spent diagnosing and resolving issues.

moving image of Gemini in the App Quality Insights tool window in Android Studio
Gemini helps you investigate, understand, and resolve crashes in your app much more quickly in the App Quality Insights tool window.

Generate Unit Test Scenarios with Gemini

Writing effective unit tests is crucial but can be time-consuming. Gemini now helps kickstart this process by generating relevant test scenarios. Right-click on a class in your editor and select Gemini > Generate Unit Test Scenarios. Gemini analyzes the code and suggests test cases with descriptive names, outlining what to test. While you still implement the specific test logic, this significantly speeds up the initial setup and ensures better test coverage by suggesting scenarios you might have missed.

moving image of generating unit test scenarios in Android Studio
Gemini helps you generate unit test scenarios for your app.

Gemini Prompt Library

No more retyping your most frequently used prompts for Gemini! The new Prompt Library lets you save prompts directly within Android Studio (Settings > Gemini > Prompt Library). Whether it's a specific code generation pattern, a refactoring instruction, or a debugging query you use often, save it once from the chat (right-click > Save prompt) and re-apply it instantly from the editor (right-click > Gemini > Prompt Library). Prompts that you save can also be shared and standardized across your team.

moving image of prompt library in Android Studio
The prompt library saves your frequently used Gemini prompts to make them easier to use.

You have the option to store prompts on IDE level or Project level:

    • IDE level prompts are private and can be used across multiple projects.
    • Project level prompts can be shared across teams working on the same project (if .idea folder is added to VCS).

Compose and UI Development

Themed Icon Support Preview

Ensure your app's branding looks great with Android’s themed icons. Android Studio now lets you preview how your existing launcher icon adapts to the monochromatic theming algorithm directly within the IDE. This quick visual check helps you identify potential contrast issues or undesirable shapes early in the workflow, even before you provide a dedicated monochromatic drawable. This allows for faster iteration on your app's visual identity.

moving image of themed icon support in preview in Android Studio
Themed icon support in Preview helps you visually check how your existing launcher icon adapts to monochromatic theming.

Compose Preview Enhancements

Iterating on your Compose UI is now faster and better organized:

    • Enhanced Zoom: Navigate complex layouts more easily with smoother, more responsive zooming in your Compose previews.
    • Collapsible Groups: Tidy up your preview surface by collapsing groups of related composables under their @Preview annotation names, letting you focus on specific parts of the UI without clutter.
    • Grid Mode by Default: Grid mode is now the default for a clear overview. Gallery mode (for flipping through individual previews) is available via right-click, while List view has been removed to streamline the experience.
moving image of Compose previews in Android Studio
Compose previews render more smoothly and make it easier to hide previews you’re not focused on.

Build and Deploy

KMP Shared Module Integration

Android Studio now streamlines adding shared logic to your Android app with the new Kotlin Multiplatform Shared Module template. This provides a dedicated starting point within your Android project, making it easier to structure and build shared business logic for both Android and iOS directly from Android Studio.

Kotlin Multiplatform template in Android Studio
The new Kotlin Multiplatform module template makes it easier to add shared business logic to your existing app.

Updated UX for Adding Devices

Spend less time configuring test devices. The new Device Manager UX for adding virtual and remote devices makes it much easier to configure the devices you want from the Device Manager. To get started, click the ‘+’ action at the top of the window and select one of these options:

    • Create Virtual Device: New filters, recommendations, and creation flow guide you towards creating AVDs that are best suited for your intended purpose and your machine's performance.
    • Add Remote Devices: With Android Device Streaming, powered by Firebase, you can connect and debug your app with a variety of real physical devices. With a new catalog view and filters, it's now easier to locate and start using the device you need in just a few clicks.
moving image of configuring virtual devices in Android Studio
It’s now easier to configure virtual devices that are optimized for your workstation.

Google Play Deprecated SDK Warnings

Stay more informed about SDKs you publish with your app. Android Studio now displays warnings from the Google Play SDK Index when an SDK used in your app has been deprecated by its author. These warnings include information about suggested alternative SDKs, helping you proactively manage dependencies and avoid potential issues related to outdated or insecure libraries.

Google Play Deprecated SDK warnings in Android Studio
Play deprecated SDK warnings help you avoid potential issues related to outdated or insecure libraries.

Updated Build Menu and Actions

We've refined the Build menu for a more intuitive experience:

    • New 'Build run-configuration-name' Action: Builds the currently selected run configuration (e.g., :app or a specific test). This is now the default action for the toolbar button and Control/Command+F9.
    • Reordered Actions: The new build action is prioritized at the top, followed by Compile and Assemble actions.
    • Clearer Naming: "Rebuild Project" is now "Clean and Assemble Project with Tests". "Make Project" is renamed to "Assemble Project", and a new "Assemble Project with Tests" action is available.
Build menu in Android Studio
The Build menu includes behavior and naming changes to simplify and streamline the experience.

Standardized Config Directories

Switching between Stable, Beta, and Canary versions of Android Studio is now smoother. Configuration directories are standardized, removing the "Preview" suffix for non-stable builds. We've also added the micro version (e.g., AndroidStudio2024.3.2) to the path, allowing different feature drops to run side-by-side without conflicts. This simplifies managing your IDE settings, especially if you work with multiple Android Studio installations.

IntelliJ platform update

Android Studio Meerkat Feature Drop (2024.3.2) includes the IntelliJ 2024.3 platform release, which has many new features such as a feature complete K2 mode, more reliable Java** and Kotlin code inspections, grammar checks during indexing, debugger improvements, speed and quality of life improvements to Terminal, and more.

For more information, read the full IntelliJ 2024.3 release notes.

Summary

Android Studio Meerkat Feature Drop (2024.3.2) delivers these key features and enhancements:

    • Developer Productivity:
        • Analyze Crash Reports with Gemini
        • Generate Unit Test Scenarios with Gemini
        • Gemini Prompt Library
    • Compose and UI:
        • Themed Icon Preview
        • Compose Preview Enhancements (Zoom, Collapsible Groups, View Modes)
    • Build and Deploy:
        • KMP Shared Module Template
        • Updated UX for Adding Devices
        • Google Play SDK Insights: Deprecated SDK Warnings
        • Updated Build Menu & Actions
        • Standardized Config Directories
    • IntelliJ Platform Update
        • Feature complete K2 mode
        • Improved Kotlin and Java** inspection reliability
        • Debugger improvements
        • Speed and quality of life improvements in Terminal

Getting Started

Ready to elevate your Android development? Download Android Studio Meerkat Feature Drop and start using these powerful new features today!

As always, your feedback is crucial. Check known issues, report bugs, suggest improvements, and connect with the community on LinkedIn, Medium, YouTube, or X. Let's continue building amazing Android apps together!


**Java is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Dev Channel Update for ChromeOS / ChromeOS Flex

The Dev channel is being updated to OS version 16267.5.0 (Browser version 137.0.7151.8) for most ChromeOS devices.

If you find new issues, please let us know one of the following ways:
  1. File a bug

  2. Visit our ChromeOS communities

    1. General: Chromebook Help Community

    2. Beta Specific: ChromeOS Beta Help Community

  3. Report an issue or send feedback on Chrome

  4. Interested in switching channels? Find out how.


Luis Menezes

Google ChromeOS

Generate custom video clips in Google Vids with Veo 2

What’s changing

We know creating compelling video can be complex. To address this, Google Vids has released a host of AI-powered features that make it easier to create video. Starting today, we’re excited to build upon this by introducing the ability to generate high-quality, custom video clips directly within Vids using Veo 2.

Whether you need to illustrate a point or want to add visual flair, simply click the “Generate video” icon in the right sidebar of the Vids editor. After typing in your prompt and clicking “Create”, a preview will appear and selecting “Insert” will add the generated content directly into your Vid. 

Powered by Veo 2, this new experience lets you generate realistic motion and diverse styles that supplement content and tell a more powerful story. 

Here are some examples of how you’d use it and sample prompts: 
  • A marketing team can create customized assets for branded storytelling: “A cutting-edge, aerodynamic self-driving car in a sleek, dark metallic finish glides effortlessly along a serpentine coastal highway.” 
  • A learning and development manager can illustrate a safety training module: “Wide angle panning shot of two cell phone tower technicians actively working on top of a cell phone tower in Colorado in a stunning natural landscape” 
  • An educator can visually explain a concept: “Colored dust floating around an airplane wing showing aerodynamics” 
Generate custom video clips in Google Vids with Veo 2

Who’s impacted 

End users 

Why you’d use it 

Veo 2 generates high-quality, realistic video clips directly in Vids, without extra costs. 

Additional details 

  • Videos are generated at 8 second duration with 720p resolution and 24fps in landscape 16:9 aspect ratio. 
  • Learn more about the feature and daily limits in the Vids Help Center. 

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. Vids will be ON by default and can be disabled at the organizational level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Vids. 
  • End users: 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about using AI to generate video clips in Google Vids. 
    • Currently, Vids is available in the user’s local language, but the AI features (e.g. Help me create, read-along teleprompter) are only available in English at this time. 
    • Note: View and collaborate access is available to anyone with a Google Workspace account, while create and copy access is available for select editions of Google Workspace customers. 

Rollout pace 

Availability

Available for Google Workspace: 
  • Business Starter**, Standard and Plus 
  • Enterprise Starter**, Standard and Plus 
  • Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus 
  • Nonprofits** 
  • Customers with a Gemini Business*, Gemini Enterprise*, Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on 
*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details.
**For a limited time, at least through May 31st, 2026, Business Starter, Enterprise Starter and Nonprofit accounts can access generative AI features in Vids. Learn about Google Vids availability. 

Resources

Granular OAuth consent in HTTP Google Workspace add-ons

What’s changing

Granular OAuth consent is rolling out over the next few weeks for Google Workspace add-ons built using HTTP endpoints. Granular consent gives users clear choices about the data they share with third-party applications.

This update is similar to an update made earlier this year with the introduction of granular OAuth consent in the Google Apps Script IDE: when someone installs or runs an HTTP Workspace add-on that supports granular consent, they will see a redesigned consent screen. Instead of being asked to authorize all requested permissions at once, users can selectively grant access to individual OAuth scopes.

For example, Google Workspace add-ons can extend to multiple Workspace apps, but users might only use an add-on for some of the apps it extends. With granular consent, users can choose to grant all permissions to an add-on or grant permissions as needed when they use the add-on in each app.

This screenshot shows the new OAuth consent screen, which lets the user provide consent for a subset of the requested OAuth scopes.


Additional details

Following is the timeline for developers supporting granular consent in HTTP Google Workspace add-ons:

  • New HTTP Google Workspace add-ons built after May 27, 2025 must support granular consent. 
  • Existing add-ons have until December 1, 2025 to add support for granular consent. 
  • After December 1, 2025, all HTTP Google Workspace add-ons must support granular consent.


After a user grants permission to a Google Workspace add-on that supports granular consent, the add-on might request OAuth consent again in the following cases:

  • The user, who has granted consent to a subset of the requested OAuth scopes, tries to run a part of the add-on that requires scopes that were not previously authorized.
  • The add–on is updated in such a way that it requires permission for additional scopes.
  • The user revoked access to the add-on from their Google Account settings.


This update does not apply to the following scenarios, for which granular consent may become available in the future:

  • When an admin initially installs an add-on
  • When an admin updates the permissions granted to an add-on from the Admin console
  • If a Google Workspace add-on is built in Apps Script

Getting Started

  • Admins: There are no changes to the admin controls for this feature.
  • Developers: For information about how to add support for granular consent to HTTP Workspace add-ons, refer to the developer documentation.
  • End users: This new consent screen will only be used for new OAuth scope grants. Pre-existing scope grants will not be affected, so no action is required by users on add-ons they’ve already authorized. 

Rollout pace


Availability


Gmail will soon stop support for the 3DES encryption cipher for incoming SMTP connections

What’s changing

Starting May 30, 2025, we will no longer support the Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) for incoming SMTP connections. After May 30, 2025, email systems using 3DES for SMTP connections will be unable to deliver emails to Gmail accounts. This change is necessary to improve our security and protect you from potential vulnerabilities associated with outdated encryption methods.

To prepare for this change, please ensure that all of your sending systems are configured to use more modern and secure TLS ciphers. A list of supported ciphers can be found in our Help Center.

Getting started

  • Admins: 
    • Visit our Help Center to learn more about Ciphers for Gmail SMTP TLS connections.
      • If your domain has recently sent messages to Gmail using 3DES, you have also received notification via email with additional information.
  • If your end users are receiving these types of messages, they will see a warning informing them that this specific cipher will no longer be supported. Visit the Help Center to learn more about checking your email traffic sent over 3DES connections.

Availability

  • This change impacts all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Chrome Stable for iOS Update

Hi everyone! We've just released Chrome Stable 136 (136.0.7103.91) for iOS; it'll become available on App Store in the next few hours.

This release includes stability and performance improvements. You can see a full list of the changes in the Git log. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug.

Chrome Release Team
Google Chrome

South Carolina, it’s time to connect!

Google Fiber is officially available in Fort Mill and Tega Cay, South Carolina! Residents can sign up for the new lifestyle product that best fits their household —and we can’t wait for you to experience what your best internet can do.

Thumbnail

With speeds up to 8 Gigs — whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working from home, gaming online, or all of the above, our fast, dependable lifestyle internet products are available to keep up with your life — GFiber can keep up and then some. As always, all products come with all the equipment you need and no data caps or annual contracts.

Check availability and sign up for service at fiber.google.com. If we’re not at your address just yet, we’ll keep you posted as we continue to expand our network.

A huge thank you for the warm welcome we’ve received in South Carolina. We’re proud to be part of the community and look forward to even stronger connections! 

Posted by Jess George, Head of Government and Community Affairs, East Region