Google is set to enhance the performance of Android smartphones by implementing a new optimisation technique called Automatic Feedback-Directed Optimisation (AutoFDO). This update aims to improve the core operating system performance of Android devices, starting with the Android kernel.
According to a post on the Android Developers blog by Software Engineer Yabin Cui, the Android LLVM toolchain team is working on integrating AutoFDO into Android’s code. This technique uses real-world usage patterns to guide the core operation of Android, with initial tests conducted on Pixel phones showing promising results.
The tests simulated the launch of the top 100 most popular apps on Pixel phones, allowing Google to prioritise frequently used elements of code in subsequent builds. This prioritisation is expected to result in a 4% improvement in cold app launches and a 1% reduction in boot times.
The improvements in the Android kernel, which accounts for about 40% of CPU time, are anticipated to provide users with a snappier interface, faster app switching, extended battery life, and an overall more responsive device.
Google plans to expand the use of AutoFDO beyond kernels to other aspects of the OS, potentially benefiting all Android device manufacturers. This expansion could help optimize the running of various hardware drivers, leading to improved performance across different smartphone brands.
In addition to the kernel improvements, Google has also released the first Pixel Drop of the year, introducing new features and upgrades for Android users. This continuous focus on enhancing the Android user experience reflects Google’s commitment to innovation and performance optimization in the mobile space.