Google Play Services updated to version 6.1, refreshed L preview for Google Fit now available

Google is pushing out a new version of Google Play Services today. The update looks to be a pretty basic affair, with enhancements to the Google Analytics API and the Google Drive API, but changes to the Google Fit API means we have a new version of the L developer preview with the latest Google Fit API included.

Google Play services 6.1 adds Enhanced Ecommerce analytics support from Google Tag Manager and offers new improvements to the Google Drive Android API. With the latest release, we're also including a refresh of the Google Fit developer preview, so that you can test your fitness apps on any Android device.

The new Google Play Services update will, in typical Google fashion, slowly roll out to all of us with no required action on our part. For more details, see the source below.

Source: Google Developers blog

Jerry Hildenbrand
Senior Editor — Google Ecosystem

Jerry is an amateur woodworker and struggling shade tree mechanic. There's nothing he can't take apart, but many things he can't reassemble. You'll find him writing and speaking his loud opinion on Android Central and occasionally on Twitter.

37 Comments
  • "No required action on our part" Awesome! As if we have a choice anyway.... They push this out whether you want it or not. I know I opted into it just by using Android, but the idea Google can just update this at their whim still irks me. I should have some type of control over this than to be at their mercy. This is the kind of thing that makes me not fully trust Google. But all hail our Google overlords! They know best. ;-)
  • Why wouldn't you want a update to Google play services Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or Galaxy S5
  • Why? Because I have no use for its updates; ex. Drive and Fit - don't use them, Analytics - for devs, not me. See the source link in the article for details.
  • It's not like they take up that much space and plus don't you want the security updates Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or Galaxy S5
  • Play services is so much more than that. It updates a lot of capabilities for your phone, it's helping and perceived fragmentation, you want it, you just don't know it. Do some research in everything play services does.
  • Thanks, but I do understand what Google Play Services are all about. I just want more control over when (and IF) it gets updated on my device. That should be up to me, NOT Google. It's their OS, but MY device. Microsoft doesn't come into my Windows machines whenever they want and update stuff UNLESS I've specifically configured something to do so. Now there was a time a while back (years ago) where Windows Update services would update itself even if you had auto updating turned off and Microsoft ended up taking heat for it and reversed course. Yet, Google does it and gets a pass and I get attacked around here for even bringing up the subject (not by you Nick, but others). :(
  • so basically you're just whining with no real or valid reason to be against a play services update aside from your own very obvious obsessive compulsive need to control everything...
  • And if ever there were some kind of security breach that put your phone at risk, you'd be one of the first ones to piss and moan about how Google let you down by not keeping their users software up to date.
  • @J T M Dead wrong assumption. I'm perfectly happy with the version of Jelly Bean on all three of my Android devices (Note 2, OG Note 10.1, and OG Nexus 7). They're all rooted to stay there despite newer software available for two of them. I'm also still using Windows XP Pro at home despite it no longer receiving security fixes. There are other, more important ways to protect your devices than just via software security updates. :)
  • That's like wishing you could decide when Internet Explorer gets updated.
    These updates add new features and security updates. Why wouldn't you want that?
  • Bad analogy. I DO have control over my Windows systems whether IE (or any updates security or otherwise) happen. Example; auto updates of any kind are turned off, nothing updates unless I've configured it to do so or it's explicitly allowed. Also there are no stated "security" updates indicated for this Play Services update. See the source link in the article.
  • Forgot your tinfoil hat > Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or Galaxy S5
  • Lol, I do have to adjust it from time to time (gets a little tight! :P). Although truthfully in this case I think it's an honest point; why don't I have more control over my Android systems like I do with with my Windows systems (where I can configure things to update or not)? Unless I have that (with Android) I'll never fully trust it. :(
  • So turn off auto updates and only update the ones you want to
  • +1 that's what I do Posted via Nexus 7 2013 or Galaxy S5
  • I do that with app updates in Google Play (and root to disable OS updates), but there is no such option for Google Play services or Google Play Store (they're updated without your control/consent entirely at Google's discretion, not you own).
  • hi Posted via the Android Central App
  • I'm not sure where all the frustration toward you is coming from. Your point doesn't have value to me because I want Play Services to update without effort from me, but it doesn't make your point invalid. Your question has merit in my opinion.
  • just because it has (a very small amount of) merit doesnt mean it's relevant or worth addressing. Google Play Services isnt invasive software, it doesnt force you to do anything you dont want to do and doesnt present any performance detriments nor does it boost performance to do away with it. It is however, essential to the Android environment and the user experience. Under those circumstances, its no where near worth all the dust this guy is kicking up about it. it's trivial. Making a fuss about why you cant control Play Services updating is like being mad that you cant personally inspect every molecule of water that runs through the pipes in your house. Being such a particular control freak comes off as bratty, especially when you sign off with "all hail our Google Overlords" like an update to google play services really impacts your life in anyway. He's trying to make it look like a bigger "issue" than it really is (or isnt, rather), and tech literate people are sick of others spreading this kind of random and pointless paranoia because it results in having to deal with useless SUPER annoying stuff like Windows' UAC for instance. That's where the frustration comes from.
  • Sorry, tried to hit reply not reported. This comment is all squished on mobile browser. I was just going to say I guess others get more passionate about this then others.
  • @baykes (above); My bad, please ignore my venting rant and bratty control freak ways. I've since had a Snickers and am much, much better now. :D
  • you can uninstall updates for google play store app!.
    i have done so myself
  • How bout you just go get a Windows Phone, and gooooo away!!! Posted via the Android Central App
  • You have consented Google to do so when you clicked agree on the terms when you first signed into your phone. If you don't like it, then simply don't hit agree. In fact, just mail me your device and I'll find something good to do with it. :)
  • Exactly! Posted via the Android Central App
  • Imagine the crappy, fragmented world Android would be with this guy making the decisions.
  • I think they are referring to a refreshed preview SDK, not a refreshed Android L build..
  • L is coming :)
  • L is coming nexus 6 is coming... I cant wait :) Posted via the Android Central App
  • Me neither! NEXUS 6 FTW!!! Posted via Android Central App
  • Note 4 is coming!
  • Why do you dislike Nexus Devices :/ Posted via Nexus Family
  • The list is very long and I really do not feel like typing it for the 100th time. Find me one that has decent storage, a good (not acceptable, but honestly good) camera and a battery life and I will stop. The Nexus 5 was thisclose but still fell short. I am glad to see that it could be more of a consumer product this time around. PS I have a Nexus 7 and on the tablet, Google does it right. The phone not so much.
  • I actually have to agree to this. Spot on. Posted via Android Central App
  • Yeah! I might have to get both devices... N6 + Note4... I'm just thinking that my M8 will cry a little.. it IS still the most gorgeous device ever produced on the face of this Planet.... after all
  • hey, if you bought 2 M8
    you'd have an M16 LOL
  • Dont know yet