New version of Android: What can you expect

Google is expected to announce the next version of Android during their I/O developers conference on May 8.

Here's more.

Stricter Privacy Control

We all wanted this

With Android P, Google is expected to give users the power to control whether or not an app can access the camera sensors and microphone.

According to a report, traces have been found in the Android Open Source Product (ASOP) source code related to enhanced control over the hardware which can infringe upon user's privacy without notifying - say a camera and/or microphone.

Because every phone is getting one

Embrace the notch

Understanding that most of smartphone manufacturers are favoring the notch, Google has decided to embrace it as well. A report says that Google wants to catch on this market trend and be positioned to attract more iPhone users to switch to Android.

Android P is expected to have native support for displays featuring a notch, which will be holding cameras, sensors and earpieces.

A more productive Always-On-Display

At a glance

The Always-On Display has been preferred by many Android users and Google is looking to support it in Android P.

In the Pixel 2, Google allows the screen to show any song playing nearby (given 'Now Playing' feature is enabled).

On those lines, Android P may bring in some additions to the Always-On Display, say a weather widget.

In the shadow of uncertainty

Dark-mode

A dark-mode has been highly demanded by a lot of users, especially those who use flagship devices with OLED screens.

However, a dark-mode on Android P remains uncertain with some reports citing that it's coming and some holding a contrary view.

Good-looking UI aside, a true dark-mode will help save on battery consumption as well.

What else Google would add?

Your wish list

We expect Android P to refresh the user interface, introduce gesture support in native form and include more user customizations.

We also expect some improvements to the Google Assistant-especially in performing in-app functions and tighter integration of Android P with Chrome OS.

Android may not require an overhaul as of now but a grand visual update is expected.