Two important applications for Google -Play Services and the one specific to your social network- They have new versions that obviously include interesting news. Therefore, proceeding with their installation is a good thing and, if you don't want to wait for them to arrive directly from the Mountain View company's application store, you can get the installation APK.
The new version of Play Services, which is the 7.3, has the biggest news in terms of user interface improvements when using trusted sites. Now, even if you are in an environment that is considered safe, some of the security options included in this development can be disabled (for example, it could be the case of being able to delete passwords on the terminal's lock screen when connected to the home WiFi, and keep this if this is not the case).
Additionally, Play Services now allows you to better manage notifications from A. An example of what we say is that it is possible to remove the connected device message in the Notification Bar so that it is completely clean if desired.
Google+
The new version, in this case, is the 5.3 for the specific application of the Google social network for Android. The most interesting novelty that can be found is the one that changes the user interface of the communities, which as yesterday we indicated It is the best that Google+ offers and therefore it is logical that the Mountain View company focuses on them.
Options such as color changes in the Status Bar, which makes navigation more intuitive, and the possibility of using higher resolution images are the starting point. By the way, the update animation when scrolling down the screen has also changed (for this to be effective you probably have to restart the terminal).
What is Google Play Services and why is it essential?
Google Play services It is the component that keeps Google apps and Google Play apps up to date. It provides basic functions as authentication with your account, contact sync, access to Privacy settings latest and services optimized location High-quality and low-power. It also improves the overall app experience: it accelerates offline searches, offers more immersive maps and optimizes games and media content. If uninstalled or disabled, many apps may stop working or display login, location, or sync errors.
Privacy, security, and Google Play Protect
Security is a priority. With Play Services comes Google Play Protect, the system that analyzes apps for malicious behaviors, blocks threats and is continuously updated. In parallel, from the Play Services settings you can manage your privacy: reset the ad profile To limit advertising personalization, disable the sending usage and diagnostic data, control the password autofill and SMS verification, or decide how the location among your apps.
Comprehensive synchronization and use of Google APIs
Play Services synchronizes with the Google cloud content such as contacts, calendar, photos and files, allowing you to switch devices without losing anything. It also acts as a gateway to Google APIs reviews: login, in-app payments, progress in games, device control (Chromecast or Matter) and more, always with low consumption and taking care of performance. This ensures that your apps are compatible with the technologies and new arrivals latest without depending on the system version.
Performance and ecosystem compatibility
One of the less visible, but most important, advantages is the performance optimization: Play Services coordinates background processes, reduces the battery consumption, and ensures that Google and third-party apps function smoothly on different versions of Android. With this, the user gets stability and longer device lifespan; the developer, a homogeneous environment for deliver improvements without forcing system updates.
How to keep it updated (options and recommendations)
The most convenient way is to leave the Automatic Updates on Google Play. If you need the update as soon as possible, you can install the official APK from reputable sources. Having the latest version helps security patches, new sync capabilities, improvements for notifications and internal fixes that reduce crashes and unexpected shutdowns.
Download and installation
If you don't want to wait for these updates to arrive from the Google store, you can get both here: Play Services y Google+. In both cases, once the downloads have finished what you have to do is click on the file obtained and follow the steps that appear on the screen.
Other applications interesting for Google's operating system you can meet them in this section Android help, where you will find internal developments of all kinds.
Updating Play Services and the Google+ app offers more polished experience, top security and privacy controls, seamless synchronization between devices and compatibility with the latest features in the Google ecosystem, reducing bugs and improving everyday use on Android.