Anticipating the first Android 15 Developer Preview expected in February 2024. Hoping for Cloned Apps, a Dex-like desktop mode, Screen-off gestures, Bard in Gboard, and more assistive AI features.
Exploring the evolution of Android OS through recent major updates, we anticipate further enhancements in Android 15. Here are five features we hope to see in the upcoming release.
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Lock Screen Widgets
Despite Apple’s innovation with widgets, Google has yet to fully capitalize on their potential. With Android 15, we hope to see improved widget functionality, including stackable widgets, interactive options, and lock screen integration, enhancing user customization and experience.
Google should take cues from Apple’s widget implementation and NothingOS 2.5 by introducing lock screen widgets in Android 15. Leveraging existing and upcoming widgets, Google can offer customizable and interactive widgets accessible directly from the lock screen, enhancing user convenience and productivity.
In Android 15, users could benefit from a Battery lock screen widget, offering quick access to the remaining battery percentage of all connected Google devices. Introducing a weather widget with Google’s existing aesthetics and adding widgets for popular apps like Gmail, Google Keep, and Fitbit would enhance productivity on the lock screen.
The addition of a YouTube Music widget to the home screen could enhance the user experience, offering an alternative to the media player UI on the lock screen. This change would allow users to disable the lock screen media player and efficiently utilize the YouTube Music widget, saving space on the home screen.
App Cloning
It’s no surprise that many users have been eagerly awaiting the app cloning feature on Android. While I might not personally utilize it frequently, I’m aware that there’s significant demand for the ability to run multiple instances of apps like Snapchat or WhatsApp. It’s worth noting that Google has lagged behind in implementing this feature, especially considering that newer UIs like Nothing OS have already incorporated it. Other established Android skins like MIUI (now HyperOS) and One UI have offered this functionality for years.
For those who may not be familiar, the “Cloned apps” feature allows users to run multiple instances of the same app. For instance, users could utilize two WhatsApp instances with separate accounts, eliminating the need to log out and log back in to switch between accounts.
This feature was initially spotted in the Android 14 Beta and Developer Preview, but there haven’t been any further updates on its development. However, there are rumors that Google intends to introduce a feature called “Private Space” to compete with Samsung’s “Secure folder.” It’s possible that the Cloned Apps feature will be included as part of this update in Android 15, but we’ll have to wait and see.
A Desktop Mode
The USB Type-C port on the Pixel 8 series is a significant upgrade compared to previous-generation Pixels and many other Android phones. It’s a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, which not only offers faster data transfer speeds but also supports display output. While this feature may not initially seem groundbreaking, it opens up a wide range of possibilities and functionalities for users.
Connecting accessories like the Xreal Air allows you to enjoy a large secondary screen experience right from your Pixel device. Additionally, you can utilize the Pixel’s USB Type-C port to connect it directly to a monitor, effectively transforming your phone into a makeshift computer. However, merely mirroring the display may not offer the best user experience. Therefore, it would be beneficial for Google to implement a Pixel Desktop mode that activates automatically when the phone detects a display output signal, similar to Samsung’s DeX mode.
Google has invested heavily in research and development, evident in initiatives like Android 12L and the current Android UI for tablets. Given this, it’s plausible that the Pixel Desktop mode may resemble these interfaces. However, an alternative option could be adopting the design language of ChromeOS. While it’s premature to make definitive predictions, feel free to share your ideas in the comments section.
Screen Off Gestures
Screen-off gestures aren’t entirely novel in the Android landscape, with OnePlus pioneering their implementation on its devices. The concept involves assigning specific functions to gestures that remain active even when the screen is off.
These functions might encompass tasks like playing, pausing, or skipping music, launching applications such as the camera, toggling the flashlight, scanning QR codes, and more.
This feature would be highly beneficial, especially for users like myself who still utilize wired headsets or prefer not to depend on unreliable touch controls on their TWS earphones. With screen-off gestures, there would be no need to tap and wait for the screen to awaken before pressing the “next” button in the player.
Gemini AI (formerly Bard) in Gboard
Google should promptly begin rolling out Assistant with Bard (rebranded to just Bard, or as recent leaks suggest, Gemini) across Pixel devices. Similarly, one feature that could significantly enhance user experience on Android 15 is integrating Bard into Gboard.
While Assistant typing is available, why bother dictating or typing manually when you can have AI handle the heavy lifting for you?
Google has also integrated suggestions into Gboard, and with the addition of Bard, these suggestions should improve in understanding context and providing users with more relevant recommendations. Whether it’s creating custom stickers and emojis or offering suggestions and summarizing messages, Bard should be adept at handling these tasks.
