Google has recently released a preview of the next version
Android, dubbed Android P (for now). The new OS is out in the form of Developer
Preview 1 and is likely to get an official introduction in May during Google’s
annual developer conference I/O 2018. Although the entire list of Android P
features is not out yet, check out all that’s new in the operating system:
1. Support for iPhone X-like notch on the display
Yes, Google is following Apple. The Android P Developer
Preview 1 comes with the ‘Display Cutout’ support. The new OS version will
support full screen smartphones with a dedicated space for speakers and the
front cameras, something that sounds a lot like what we have seen with the
iPhone X.
2 Gmail-like ‘Smart Replies’ coming to messages
It’s been a while since Google unveiled its ‘Smart Reply’ to
Inbox, Gmail and Allo platforms. These are automated responses that show up as
a reply to mails or a chat, using machine learning algorithm. These will now
come to messages to your save time.
3 Ability to see images in message notifications
Users will be able to see images in the message notification
by swiping down the tray from the top of the screen, something which was not
possible until now. For now, users have to open the notification to see the
attachment.
4 Users can differentiate between single and group
conversations
Android users will also be able to see which text message is
one-to-one or is in a group from inside the notification tray. This is supposed
to give more clarity to users right from the notifications area and save them
extra taps.
5 Text zooming tool
This is one of the hidden features of Android P. This
iPhone-like update gives users a clearer look at what they are typing by giving
a magnified look when the user swipes the cursor on the sentence or a phrase.
6 Multiple camera support for third-party apps
Android P will embrace the dualcamera setup, which is there
in every other flagship and even mid-range smartphones these days. Developers
can make their apps support multiple cameras now.
7 New image compression technology
With Android P, images will save more data while
transferring and save more space on the handset as well. This will be due to
Android P’s support for HEIF (heic) image encoding, something Apple has adopted
already.
8 Support for new WiFi protocol
Android P will bring along the support for the IEEE 802.11mc
WiFi protocol, which is also known as WiFi_33 Round-Trip-Time (RTT). This is
supposed to let developers take advantage of indoor positioning in apps. For
end users, this means they may be able to see indoor maps right from inside the
apps.
9 Improved password autofill
Password autofill was already there in Android but with
Android P, it is supposed to get better. The feature prevents users from having
to type in each section while filling up online forms, passwords and more.
10 Settings redesign with vertical volume slider
With Android P, the Settings page gets a cosmetic change.
The White/Blue colour palettes are now multi-coloured, which many will find as
a refreshing change. The volume slider is now also placed vertically instead of
horizontally as seen until now. Its placement has also been changed from top to
side.
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