Are you ready to embark on the Google’s newest technological adventure? A remarkable trend followed by Google ever since Android came up in the lives of millions of consumers since 2008. It is a global platform that never ceases to amaze its users. On 21 March, Google launched the first preview of Android O to the Press, to be released for general users later in 2017. Currently, it is available for developers and end-users only.
Android O
Typically, Google is known for its love of ‘sweets.’ Following the lead of Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, and now, hopefully, it is the Oreo or Oatmeal or something that is indeed appetizing to think. So far, the developer mode is available on the Nexus and Pixel series owned and launched by Google, it is still in the making and so, unstable. It will not be available for over-the-air update, rather a manual update is required, which may not be possible for most of the users out there.
Google gave an elaborate explanation, here’s the gist of the things we know thus far.
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What Makes Android O Special? Things You Need To Know
Improved Background App Performance
Android felt the need to improve the performance of its background app processing. In Android 7.0 Nougat, the OS restricted certain application activities while they ran in the background. Up until Marshmallow, the apps were closed manually for the battery to last longer. Such a user involvement was rather dominant and in some cases, even troublesome. This activity also rendered the smartphone & tablet infeasible due to the lack of battery power.
Android O takes off where the Nougat had left off and prioritized on saving energy by improving the battery life without the user involvement.
For example: When you capture an image, Android will enable on relevant applications. So, if you wish to save the picture on the Cloud networks like OneDrive, Google Drive, Google Photos, DropBox, they will open automatically and ease the whole process.
With the enhanced tweaking available in Android O, only those applications with utmost relevance will run. While the rest close down to conserve the battery, they consume nothing unless opened by the user. In comparison, it bears a resemblance to the iOS. That is why the iPhone does not consume as much RAM power as the Android due to an efficient system optimization.
Snooze Notifications
The information center will have two significant updates that will allow the user to gain more control over the system settings. First, the user can mute the notifications but enable them to pop up without a sound or vibration. This is useful for those who need to mute only a few apps but do not want to use the Do Not Disturb mode.
You can also choose to set a time for the app to remain silent ranging from shorter periods to a user-desired time. This makes it ideal for someone at a meeting or a classroom.
The second enhancement is the Notification Channel. Depending on the settings implemented, the user will have more control over the app notifications. As in, some of the most important apps will be notified over others.
For example, A News app frequented by the user is displayed first in the order or urgency. If there’s an important email that you must answer immediately, it will point your attention to it over other notifications coming from a gaming app.
You can also set custom notifications for each of your contacts. Like, receive information for a message from a friend while ignoring another. Also, you can replicate this process with groups of people you are a part, sort notifications by type, group and assign tunes to each.
Auto-fill API
Auto-fill API is an exciting and secure tool for managing your passwords and repetitive information stored in your device with more flexibility.
When you select an auto-fill application, it will automatically fill in the login details or address the same way you use the feature on virtual keyboards. The filling option is very handy and practical; the list pops up with stored alternatives in the field. You just need to pick the relevant information and enter. The keyboard service allows a smooth and plausible navigation with arrow and tab button along the screen.
Unlike Nougat and older Android versions, the Android-O takes a different approach by asking the user’s permission each time an app installs. You cannot go to the Settings and give permissions to all third-party app installs anymore.
PIP & Multi-Screen Support
Android-O supports the PIP Picture-in-Picture, allowing the user to watch videos on Netflix or YouTube while making a call on WhatsApp, Skype or other applications.
If you connect your smartphone or tablet to other devices, Android will make your life easier by providing support for multiple screens. You can choose which of the screens an app will open, launch activities on a second display and launch pop-up on the third.
With Microsoft’s Continuum available, it would be an attractive option to take advantage of the corporate market.
Fantastic Sound Quality
The Sony LDAC wireless Codec, borrowed by Google to enhance the Android O audio experience. The codec transmits nearly three times more regarding the amount of data transfer, 990kbps using the same Bluetooth connection as other smartphones do.
Why is it a big deal? Well, because the LDAC is around for nearly two years, but only available on Sony Xperia smartphones, Walkman music players and MDR-1000X headphones, all manufactured by Sony. With Android O, it will be the first time that the technology is made available on non-Sony devices. Although this is not reason enough to jolly, because the LDAC requires both, the device and the receiver, to support it.
Already the new API AAudio directed for professional apps developed by Google, assures Sonora excellence for a higher quality that the device can provide.
It is a good play mainly considering the scenario where wired headphones will have to use USB-C type plugs. Therefore, it is the perfect timing to make changes for the best in wireless sound quality.
Changes to the UI
Google is also standardizing the Android icons. This means that the app badges will be more reflective than ever. When used with standard Android O theme, the app icons will change accordingly. Thanks to the support that is adaptable with different formats on various devices.
There are improvements to navigation via physical keyboards, support for new Java and ART APIs, adjustments to connection, photography, location, and discovery apps of other nearby devices.
Wrapping Up Android O,
In the meantime, the advanced pre-version of the Android O is available for Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C Nexus Player, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and emulators.
Google has not yet determined a date for the public release. Considering that not even a name has finalized yet. So, while the users of social media remain forever curious about the nomenclature, “Android O” works nicely as well.
Meanwhile, spread the word around to all your Android-using buddies and like, share, and follow our posts and keep up-to-date on the latest in the tech world. We would appreciate it if you took the time to share this news on social media.
