Next Generation Android

Reportedly, Android M is the development code for next-generation Android. So, what is being tested for M,google?

• Fingerprint identification

According to previous news, the Nexus 6 allegedly originally included a fingerprint sensor, but was later removed during the development process. Previously, Google developed OS-level support for the fingerprint unlock feature for Android 5.0.

However, the fingerprint unlocking scheme developed by Google will provide the app with system-level API support. The leaked code shows that it supports lock screen unlocking, and the mobile app also supports unlocking via fingerprint.

The removal of fingerprint sensor from Nexus 6 may be frowned upon by the existing "sweep" fingerprint identification scheme. Synaptics is now experimenting with other fingerprint identification schemes, such as a touch screen as a fingerprint-aware sensor.

• Apply permission Switch

Until now, Android app permissions are still "one-vote" trading, users are not free to "bet". Of course, Google is improving, when andorid 4.3 hides the function called App Ops, let the user choose the app permissions, such as do not want the app to track their location, just go to the app Ops interface, the app's location permission to turn off.

However, when Android 4.4.3, App Ops was removed. Then the Android engineer, named Dianne Hackborn, said the previously leaked APP Ops interface was not the final version. There are many problems with the app Ops before it actually dies, for example, if the user turns off an important privilege, the app will not work, but the user doesn't know whether it's the app or the permissions control issue. This indicates that the feature is not mature enough.

However, Google can continuously improve the app Ops to make it usable, such as improving the app's error mechanism.

• Split-screen mode

Split-screen mode allows two apps to run on one screen at the same time, as if Windows 8 were on Surface.

ArsTechnica in the ADB command to find "split screen mode", after startup, although the use of a lot of bugs, but it can run at least. In addition to the code contains this special mode of work, Goolge UI design, also includes the "split screen" considerations.

According to Androidpolice, the way to start split-screen mode is not difficult, just press and hold an app and drag it to the edge of the other side of the screen and then automatically split it. The increase in "split-screen mode" will benefit the Android tablet ecosystem, but because it has an important impact on ecology, Google's cautious attitude is not difficult to understand.

• Hangout towards personal assistant.

Google also acquired an IOS app team this year. This app, called Emu, is a very advanced concept that analyzes the semantics of text messages and then automatically provides relevant suggestions. For example, two people are talking about eating dinner the next day, then they will show their schedule directly, then determine the time, and also show the relevant restaurant profile, to help people understand.

In other words, it's a contextual IM app.

After acquiring the team in August, Google began to improve hangouts. After 4 months, the Hangouts text message also has the automatic suggestion function. When someone sends a message asking "Where are you", Hangouts will automatically pop up a bubble and let people share the location directly to each other.

EMU will also affect other Google products, such as Inbox, can also be directly based on the content of the mail, automatically provide geolocation, OpenTable, Yelp and other services.

• Copresence, cross-platform ultrasound pairing

Google is developing an ultrasound pairing technology called copresence, which acts like NFC, allowing for fast pairing between different devices. But the difference is that the copresence is more popular than NFC, as long as the phone has microphones and headphones to accept the ultrasound. The latter, after all, convinces manufacturers to build NFC chips into each handset.

The technology is now included in the Google Play Service and can be used in practice. Chrmecast now pairing can be paired with Android directly via ultrasound without having to go through the same Wi-Fi network.

• Individual-based reminders

This is a copresence-based feature. Since ultrasound can be paired with other devices without having to use Wi-Fi, when you're out of the office, the Android phone will be able to get an ultrasound to find a phone that's been paired with nearby, that is your friend, and then trigger reminders. The feature is said to be online next March and integrated in the Google search app – "Who" will be listed in the search results and then the reminders will list "when" and "Where". This also means that the pairing between the phone and the phone has become very simple, just press a button.

• Android apps will be globally universal

Some Android apps can now run directly on Chrome OS via APP Runtime for Chrome, as well as Chrome Native Client extensions.

In other words, the Android app can run on the desktop, albeit as a plugin to Chrome. And, as long as a certain makeover, app runtime for Chrome is enough to make any Android app run in the desktop Chrome browser

This also means that with Chrome's multiplatform features, Android apps can also run on Windows, Macs, and Linux.

• Android Integrated Car Entertainment System

From the name, Android Auto, like Android Wear and Android TV, is an Android branch version developed for a specific device. However, unlike Android Auto, it is not a standalone operating system, but rather a layer of skin on top of the onboard operating system-when you plug your phone into a USB and car entertainment system, Android Auto activates from the phone and then appears on the central control screen.

However, more news shows that Google is looking to develop a standalone operating system that supports phone calls, navigation, listening to music, voice commands, and voice text messages.

Another reliable message comes from Harman's CEO. On the quarterly earnings call, he said the company was designing Android-based embedded operating systems for GM. Perhaps Harman is designing a "Nexus" for Google's automotive version.

Material Design will change network product designs

Although Material Design was released with Android 5.0, it was not just the mobile app that affected it. Google plans to have all of its products designed to fit the Material design style, including IOS products and Web pages. Inbox by Google's web site is a new design.

WHATSAPP rivals, but not Google hangouts

ArsTechnica previously said that Google's product strategy is actually "every thing has two copies", that is, for the same market, the same problem, through different paths to create different products.

In addition to Google Hangouts, according to The Economist, Google is developing new IM tools to try to compete with WHATSAPP. This IM will be first launched in India and free of charge.

Chromecast 2 will feature new hardware and support interaction with the second screen

Google's vice president told GigaOM that the next generation of Chromecast 2 would be able to interact with the phone's "second screen".

That is, when Chomecast 2 plays a video, it allows the phone screen to display other information. Currently, Chromecast only displays "search" on the phone and controls the playback of the media.

However, Google's VP did not explain what Chromecast 2 could display on the phone for more information. Perhaps you can expect that when the video is paused, the phone can directly display the Google knowledge map related media results, the process will be more fluent-as for me, I would like to play a video on the TV, the mobile phone shows the barrage.

Virtual Reality and Cardboard

Android phones are now a very important virtual display platform, of course, thanks to Google's Cardboard and the Gear VR that Samsung and Oculus co-supported. Although Cardboard looks like a toy, Google is serious about it and has recently set up a department for it.

Rather than improving the Cardboard experience, Google focused on the developer ecosystem, recently releasing the Android Cardboard SDK and plugins based on the Unity game image engine. In addition, in the Goolge Play Store, there is a dedicated VR app zone, Google is also continuing to recruit people focused on the VR field. Now, Cardbond has sold 500,000 pairs.

Next Generation Android