While many Android phone users are still waiting for the Android 6.0 Marshmallow firmware to hit their devices, other tech enthusiasts are already looking forward its successor dubbed as Android N. This software is expected to be unveiled during this year's Google I/O event sporting new features and enhancements.
According to Christian Today, the upcoming Android operating system is slated to be revealed on the first day of Google's I/O event this year. The said occasion is set to occur from May 18 to 20 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, California, near Google's headquarters, as announced by Sundar Pichai last Jan. 13. But the roll-out of the forthcoming firmware may happen by the end of October or early November, along with the launch of the new Nexus devices.
When it comes with the new features, Android Police noted that there are Android N images that have surfaced indicating the interface of the upcoming OS. Based on the pictures, the notifications are full-width, and the separation between items is less distinct. It is also noticeable that each item in the list includes a line with the app that produced the notification. That information is available in the current notification UI, but users will have to long-press to see it. Notifications also appear to be able to display some limited color text elements and the App icons are smaller and less obvious.
On the upper part, one can see the bar of quick settings toggles, which will be a welcome change. Most OEMs have made a subset of quick settings accessible from the notification shade for a long time, but Google has kept them all in the dedicated quick settings panel. Users will still be able to pull down the full quick settings, but the most important toggles are easier to access in Android N.
Also, in the quick settings panel users will get a really cool sliding animation as the compressed bar of toggles move down to the full QS. Just like the notifications, it's full-width now. The images also show that the expandable WiFi and Bluetooth icons aren't visible in the new OS version. There is also an edit button, indicating that Google is bringing the UI tuner options into the main quick settings.
Aside from the refresh of the interface, Trusted Reviews cited other possible features and enhancements that the Android N might carry. With upcoming OS, the Google Now On Tap feature that is already present with the Marshmallow is expected to be improved.
Also, since there has been a lot of attention paid to the effect the mobile devices are having on one's sleep patterns recently, it is also anticipated that a Night Mode will be featured in this upcoming OS. It can be remembered that Apple is addressing this very issue in iOS 9.3, with a feature called Night Shift. This will automatically tint the iPhone display to the warmer end of the spectrum, minimizing its disturbing effect.
Lastly, the pressure sensitive screen support might also be featured. Google would doubtless help inform the design of the majority of 2017's flagship phones. This would create shortcuts and additional UI elements that would be enabled in Google's more expansive OS.
Nevertheless, these are just based on leaked images and speculations, so tech enthusiasts could expect a lot of changes with the features. More information is anticipated to surface soon, so Android fans should keep an eye for further details.
