Google Android 14 introduces significant changes in workload distribution for processors and RAM, aiming to boost device performance and prolong battery life. Dave Burke, Google’s Vice President of Software Development, discussed these enhancements.
Efficiency through Broadcast Limitation
One key improvement lies in restricting broadcasts, the method of communication between the system and applications during critical events like battery level drops or network switches. Burke highlights, “We’ve successfully minimized CPU activity for background apps, resulting in a remarkable 30% reduction in cold app launches within Android 14. A cold start, where code pages must be read from flash memory and loaded into RAM before execution, makes this reduction palpable for users.”
Balancing Cached Processes
Reducing cold starts presented a delicate challenge. Burke elaborates, “Our aim was to increase the number of cached processes in RAM, promoting more warm starts. However, excessive cached processes, if not properly managed, can lead to increased processor activity and battery consumption.”
50% Reduction in Background Activity
Through internal projects focused on process freezing and broadcast reduction, the Android team achieved a substantial 50% reduction in background activity as measured by CPU usage.
Optimizing Code Size
Android 14 optimizes code size with a 9% reduction, achieved through techniques such as folding return statements and compiler optimizations. For devices with 500 MB to 1 GB of optimized code, this results in a data savings of 50 to 100 MB, adds NIX Solutions.
These Android 14 enhancements offer users improved performance and resource efficiency, with a notable reduction in cold app launches and optimized code size.