Google made a lot of exciting announcements and revelations at the 2015 edition of its annual I/O Conference. Here are some major updates the company will be bringing to Android.
Android M
Android M is the next firmware that should be expected on Android devices. It comes with a lot of improvement, and in addition to subtle UI updates, new material design fonts and colours, better text selection, direct share improvements, and simplified volume controls, it came with these totally new features.
Updated App Permissions
The way I see this, Google is taking a page off Apple’s book (or a bite off Apple?) by changing how applications receive permissions. Originally, Android shows a user all the permissions that an app needs before installation. That way, a user does not have controls on which service to disallow and can only choose not to install the app at all. With Android M, instead of agreeing to all permissions upfront, apps now ask for specific permissions when they are needed in a clear and easy to understand way. It is also possible to edit an app’s permissions anytime. This, Google claims, makes updating apps streamlined because asking for permission is deferred until it’s needed.
Custom Chrome Tabs/Improved Web Experience
Apps now have the ability to run Chrome within their app as opposed to the most times problematic internal browser that a lot of apps run. Clicking a link within an app can pull up a Chrome tab on top of the app real quick. Apps are also able to customize the tab through color and branding and/or add additional options to the options menu. Features such as automatic sign-in, saved passwords, autofill will work on the apps seamlessly.
App Linking
Android’s app linking structure now will be taking the decision-making from the user and give it to the developer. Android currently supports the app linking system, also known as Intents, which gives you the choice to open a particular web link in a web browser or an app.
Android M will let developers add in an auto-verify feature within their code, which will help open the link within the respective app (provided the app is installed on your phone). In the background, the Android M OS will verify the link with the app’s server and post-authentication will proceed to open the link within the app itself, without asking you where you want to open the link.
Android Pay
Android’s answer to Apple Pay. This is going to be available for all Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled devices (Kik Kat and above). It will be replacing Google Wallet and can be used to make purchases in physical stores or online.
To make a purchase physically, a user will have to unlock the phone, keep it near an NFC terminal and the payment will be done, without opening any app. Google says when you add in your card details, a virtual account number is created to make your payments. Your actual card number is not shared with the store during the transaction.
Standardized Fingerprinting
While manufacturers like Samsung have had finger print features on their devices since early 2014, that was an OEM thing and not an Android feature. On Android M, fingerprint features will be improved and standardized, and reveal an API for developers which would allow them to take advantage of fingerprint sensors in their apps. Fingerprints can be used to unlock a phone, confirm a purchase with Android Pay, open app, and so on.
Doze
This new feature on Android M aims to significantly improve battery life of Android devices. Doze uses motion detection to help determine when a device has been left alone for a long time. If there is no activity for a long time, the system shuts down some processes and dozes off some apps. The system, however, can still get activated by alarms and high priority notifications. The improvements using Doze yielded an improvement in standby battery life to up to 2x longer.
USB C-Type Support
Android M supports USB C-Type. What this means is very fast charging of devices. Also, the C-type ports are shaped in a way that allows USB (C-type) cables to be plugged into the phone no matter the direction it is facing. There will be no wrong way to plug in a USB. Additionally, because USB C-Type is bidirectional, the cable can be used to either charge the phone, or charge another device using the phone as a power source.
Google Photos
Google will be releasing a stand-alone Photos app, separate from the Google+ Photos feature. This app is a huge improvement over the Google+ Photos app. It could also mean that the rumours of Google planning to shut down Google+ are true. To see more on the Photos app, check here.
Google Now On Tap
Now On Tap is an wildly innovative update to the Google Now feature. Using Machine Learning, Google has given Now the ability to have full context when answering questions. For example, if you are listening to a D’Banj song and ask Google Now “What is his real name?”, Google Now will provide that. Some other examples include;
- Movie reviews, trailers, or a synopsis when you’re on an email asking you to go see a movie
- Restaurant reviews when you’re looking at a calendar invite
- Smart reminder card when someone sends you a message
This goes on for various situations in different apps. Google has now found a way to give relevant information based on the content of apps. This incredible feature can be used wherever on Android via one tap or voice activation (“OK Google”).
This new Google Now does not need developers to add a thing to their code to make it a reality either.
Offline Support
Google is listening and unlike other software makers (Ap *cough cough* ple *cough*), it is paying attention to markets that have limitations such as Internet connectivity. Because of this, the new Google Maps can be used for a large part while it is offline. During the demo at the I/O Conference, the user searched for a destination (with a working auto-complete) and was able to get turn-by-turn voice directions. This was done while the phone was in airplane mode. This was super awesome and drew a lot of cheers from the crowd!
The YouTube app also has a feature for saving videos offline. The video does not download directly to the device but remains within the app. The user will have to go online after a few days though, or access to the video will eventually be withdrawn till internet connection is restored.
