Android P to Support ‘Notch’ Displays

The tech world and Android developer community is eagerly waiting for Google I/O 2018 Developers Conference. Every year, the new Android version is named after a dessert. Internally, Google team is calling the version Pistachio Ice Cream. However, the company typically uses different names. There are options this time that the name could be Android Pie, Android Pecan Pie or Android Pumpkin Pie.

A new report has surfaced that reveals the Android P features that are heading to the new Android iteration. Here are the leaked features that will help mobile app development companies, providing Android app development services know what’s next.

Notch for Android Phones

While not much is known about the next version of Google’s mobile operating system, but rumor mill is abuzz with the news that Android is taking cue from the iPhone X display’s notch for the next version of Android.

“Google is building an overhaul of its Android platform to start supporting hardware notch natively to compress cameras and other sensors in a single cutout design,” reports Bloomberg.

The notch design came into focus with the arrival of iPhone X. However, Android co-founder Andy Rubin brought the Essential Phone even before the iPhone X launch in May 2017, with a small notch for the front-facing camera sensor.

Image courtesy: Essential

Android’s attempt to mimic iPhone X notch is seen as an attempt to attract Apple’s high-end users with more spending power on apps hoping that users will make the switch over to Google’s platform. The design will mean more new Android phones with cutouts at the top of their screens to fit cameras and other sensors.

Designing around the notch could also mean that advanced features such as facial recognition technology and sensors that empower augmented reality applications are coming to Android phones in a grand style.

Google Assistant

This year’s Android update will expand Google Assistant integration, allowing developers to integrate Google’s voice-based technology in native apps. Google is also said to integrate the search bar on Android home screen with its personal assistant. However, its presence in the search bar is yet to be finalized.

Some other rumored features of Android P

• Material Design 2: It is expected that Google could release the next version or upgrade of material design to completely revamp its look and feel.
• Multiple Screens and Foldable Displays: Several different manufacturers have been experimenting with changes.
• Features such as native call recording support
• Enhancements on battery life and performance

Conclusion

There is little doubt that convincing iPhone users to switch to Android is the way forward with Android P. The most effective way is to improve the look of the software. However, will Android P be able to address the most frustrating problem of fragmentation and slow updates? Well, only time will tell.

The developer conference is taking place between May 8 and May 10 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.

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Albert Smith

Albert Smith, a seasoned Marketing Manager, brings expertise in strategizing and executing innovative marketing campaigns at Hidden Brains. With a keen eye for industry trends, Albert is dedicated to driving brand visibility and success in the ever-evolving tech landscape. His passion lies in leveraging marketing strategies to showcase Hidden Brains' excellence in web, mobile app, and software development.