Everything you Need to Know About Android P
There’s no doubt about it, 2018 is set to be an extremely exciting year for the Android platform. From the launch of Samsung’s flagship, Galaxy S9 handset to the release of the hotly-anticipated Pixel 3 range from Google, there’s sure to be something that keeps even the most ardent technology fan interested during the next 12 months.
As if this was not enough, Google is also preparing to launch it’s brand new Android iteration this year. The release of a new and improved operating system has become an annual event for Google, of course, as the brand looks to keep pace with Apple’s constantly evolving iOS platform.
In this article, we’ll appraise Android P in detail, while asking what it will deliver to users and when it’s likely to be released.
The Basics – Getting to Grips with Android P
Android P remains at a relative formatives stage of testing at present, so much so that it has yet to be given its full name. Still, the first developer review of the software has already been published, and while Google has kept a number of its more advanced features up their sleeve this suggests that we may the final version of the OS sooner rather than later.
Google has certainly confirmed that we’ll see a public beta later this year, and if the brand follows the timeline established by Android 8.0 Oreo this will probably be released in May.
This could mean that a fully-fledged Android P iteration could be released as soon as August, potentially in line with Google’s latest Pixel 3 model.
With this in mind, what exactly should we be expecting from the Android P software? The most obvious assertion is that we’ll see incremental improvements to the graphical capabilities of the new OS, while Android P will also include provisions that include the battery performance of your chosen handset.
You won’t see upgrades to key Google applications such as Chrome and Gmail, however, as these are undertaken separately and outside of the Android platform.
We are likely to see Android P build on two key themes from last year, however, in the form of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). With this in mind, there’s little doubt that Android P will be the platform’s smartest OS ever, while it will also leverage the inbuilt camera technology to offer a more diverse range of AR experiences.
Indoor Positioning and Improved Notifications
In more specific terms, Android P may also be one of the most advanced operating systems in terms of navigation and step-by-step direction. This is because it will offer incredibly accurate indoor positioning to users, leveraging WiFi Round-Trip-Time (or RTT to you and me) to achieve this. This technology makes it possible for apps to know precisely how far you are from the connected WiFi access point, so you can access turn-by-turn directions that are as reliable as the data delivered by Google Maps.
In terms of notifications, we’re also likely to see significant improvements across the board. Google will make it possible for developers to move even more of specific conversations from your messenger of choice into the notification, without impacting negatively on processing speeds. Image attachments and stickers will also appear in notifications now, adding some depth to the mobile experience and helping you to identify senders immediately.
The new and improved notification style will also enable developers to add quick replies, with an advanced system that’s likely to tie into Google’s existing Smart Reply functionality.
This, along with significant background changes that will restrict cameras and sensors when they’re idle and boost user privacy, will create a noticeable improved operating system that will satisfy users rather than be wowing them.
And Finally
On another note, it’s important to note that Google’s own handsets will be the first to get their hands on the new software. This means that the Pixel range will be the first to benefit from Android P, while older Nexus handsets will be cut off the loop for the first time this year.
Similarly, LG’s upcoming G7 handset will not receive the Android P OS ahead of others, despite the brands previous collaborations with Google.
Given that the launch of the Pixel 3 is likely to coincide with the release of Android P. This creates a huge incentive to invest in Google’s latest hardware (and least if you’re a serious technology lover). This means that you may want to visit the Fonehouse this summer, to access some of the best and most cost-effective deals on the much-vaunted Pixel 3.
Regardless of which Android handset you own, however, there’s little doubt that Android P will help to upgrade the overall user experience. Just don’t expect to be wowed, as Google have prioritized subtle but focused improvements rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel.
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