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Google Glass companion app hints at future Android multiplayer support

Google could be busy working on a Game Center of its own for Android, if new information is to be believed. Android Police took a dive into the Google Glass companion app and found some interesting references to a potential games service. Files that shipped along with the APK indicate that Google is cooking up a matchmaking service that could include multiplayer support.

That multiplayer support looks to include both real time playing (for shoot em ups, perhaps) as well as turn-based options for slower RTS-style games. Other files hint at features such as in-game chat, leaderboards, and achievements, as well as invitations and game lobbies. The features all sound pretty standard, but the bigger picture begins to take shape when you realize that Google would be handling all the server side operations.

If Google were to standardize features like multiplayer and chat across Android, then the need for awkward third-party solutions would be greatly diminished. And you could look at things from a developer’s point of view too: it would be much easier to offer these features if Google were to handle them directly.

There’s no word on exactly when (or even if) Google will roll out such a service, but Google I/O is fast approaching. The event is set to kick off on May 15th, and may bring some other new Google products along for ride, including the rumoured Babel service and a refreshed version of the Nexus 7.

[spotted at The Next Web]

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