14 DAY TRIAL // Google I/O 2015 developer conference is expected to kick-start in San Francisco on May 28. The search giant has already shared the schedule for the week in question while leaving some tantalizing clues behind indicating what we should be expecting it to talk about during the event.
While digging into the schedule, a subtle reference to Android M (the next version of Google’s operating system) came to light, which led us to believe that the search giant is ready to roll out a new version of Android during the event.
“Android M is bringing power of Android to all kinds of workplaces. This opens new markets for hundreds of millions of devices to workers at small business, desktop workers, logistics and warehousing jobs; all be empowered by adoption of Android devices at Work,” read the description of an event session that has since been removed from the website.
While Lollipop was a great evolution over KitKat, there’s still plenty of room for improvement, and here are some features we certainly hope Android M will bring to the table if Google ends up unveiling the next OS iteration.
Android Wear integration
While Google has been said to be laying the groundwork for the next Android iteration that could be built directly into cars, we also expect it to include Android Wear integration into the next version of the OS.
This means users won’t be required to download and install the Android Wear app to connect to a wearable, which will certainly make things a lot smoother.
Advanced battery improvements
With Lollipop, Google introduced the so-called “Project Volta,” an initiative to squeeze out as much battery life as possible for smartphones and tablets.
“Project Volta” adds features like “Battery Historian,” which allows users to have a better idea how much battery different apps and services consume.
A battery saver mode also exists and permits saving a little power when the battery is running low by virtue of disabling background services.
While all these features are great and very useful, we expect the next version of Android to come with more advanced features to support greater battery efficiency.
Improved notifications
While notifications got a worthy revamp with Android Lollipop, we expect Google to take things to the next level. Then there’s the issue of syncing on multiple devices.
When you get a notification on your phone from Facebook and swipe it away, you’ll find the notification is still on your tablet. It would be great if notifications were properly synced across devices, so that you don't get to see duplicates like that.
This is especially annoying if you haven't used a device for some time, and when you do, you’re greeted by an avalanche of unnecessary notifications which you might have already cleared away from your smartphone.
More App Uninstalling Options
Most of Android smartphones and tablets come with pre-installed apps you just can’t get rid of no matter how hard you try. Which is quite frustrating especially since there are a lot of better alternatives out there.
On top of that, Android M could provide you with suggestions on which apps to uninstall in case you’re running low on space. The storage option in the Settings Menu helps you get an idea of where you’re standing storage-wise, but this option could make things a lot easier.
Faster updating process
This has been a very old problem for Android. Google is known for rolling out its updates in waves, so some owners might have to wait weeks until they see their phone/tablet get the latest software.
Dark mode / Night mode
Since Google has used a lot of white in stock Android 5.0, it would make sense for it to add a dark mode in Android 6.0. The color is awfully straining on your eyes especially at night, so a night mode will certainly do the trick. Additionally, battery life would be maintained at better levels too.