Android 13 took one more step in the development of Google’s mobile operating system. After Android 12’s design change, the next version has refined the system, reaching a point of excellent maturity. Android and iOS are on an equal level, although users miss some features from both.
However, everything is subject to improvement and Android is no exception. Heading into the second quarterly Android 13 update, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds with Android 14, how the system will change and what new features will come. Although some details are known, that’s what I want to see when Android 14 comes out.
1. A full backup, iOS style
Despite Android has greatly improved its backup system, is far from the level offered by the Apple system. Yes, we can use Google Drive and other apps like Google Photos to make backup copies, but a dedicated app is missing.
Android deserves a complete backup system, which leaves the new mobile ready after turning it on, including wallpapers, applications and their data, user accounts, and everything is easily synchronized. One day it will come, and I hope it will be compatible with all Android phones, regardless of manufacturer or model. Currently, the stone is in the roof of the application developers who must adapt them.
2. Better quality when uploading photos and videos to social networks
It is a fact that the quality of photos and videos uploaded to social networks from an Android mobile it’s not enough. If we compare the quality of content downloaded from mobile with iOS, it makes me envious. I want my cat photos to upload without loss of quality like the competition does.
A failed attempt was CameraX so It’s time for Google to get serious with developers to solve this problem that affects many content creators. Android also needs to appeal to this user profile, and there’s no better way than to match the main competitor. It’s a desire shared by many, and while it’s not really an aspect of Android, there seems room for improvement.
3. An evolution of design: Material You at the next level
Google’s design language, Material You, has changed the face of Android for the better. The thematization it offers is deep and it shows in every corner of the mobile operating system, but it must continue to evolve.
For instance, thematic icons sometimes confuse us, so from Google they have to give it a twist. In the area of notifications and quick settings, the influence of Material You is evident, however, the design of said area becomes repetitive with very similar controls. With that, an evolution in the design begins by allowing us to choose which background color we want to use in the quick settings, giving it a more personal touch and avoiding permanent black (whether you use a dark theme or not).
4. Improved connection between computers and mobiles
Sharing content between the mobile and a computer is possible, but not natively. An example, when I want to send a link from my phone, I usually use Telegram or the browser utility I use, Microsoft Edge. It helps me in my work, but users of Apple devices have an easier time.
In this sense, a solution would go through a collaboration between Microsoft and Google, something unlikely, at least in this area. But many of us would appreciate it, having a native feature in both operating systems would be a relief when it comes to sharing links, copying and pasting text, sending photos and videos , transfer files, etc. Since there are solutions for every need in Android, we have alternatives, but nothing would be the same as having a native solution.
5. A fully implemented desktop mode
Those at Mountain View have been developing a desktop mode or PC mode for Android for some time, but it has never been officially released. This was found in the first Android 13 update for Google Pixel, and it’s a very useful function.
Arriving at your office and leaving the mobile on a docking station to start working with it would be a good thing productivity growthbecause with the current power of modern phones, we could perform almost any task as if it were a complete computer.
6. Less fragmentation and differences between manufacturers
Fragmentation in Android has been a problem for a long time, updates are slow to arrive from some manufacturers. Google Play Services partially alleviated this issue, but it wouldn’t hurt to be able to take advantage of the latest versions of models from previous years. Hopefully, the number change will encourage manufacturers to keep their equipment updated for longer.
As for the differences in other aspects of the system, it can be said that the variety of customization layers enriches the Android ecosystem and even offers ideas that eventually reach the pure version. Personally, I think you should look for a balance in design.
Some layers like Realme UI or Samsung’s One UI adapted to the design lines, but others like MIUI not so much. Manufacturers must differentiate themselves, but bringing all forms of Android closer together would be a step forward
7. More native widgets and consistent design
Ever since I’ve been using Android 13, widgets take up part of my home screens because they give me a lot of value. It’s a pleasure to check the latest emails, weather and photos from my gallery right from your desktop. Google should continue to support these new widgets and add more to all of its apps.
Moreover, offering different variations of these would improve customization on Android. If they added more along the current design lines, they would become more important and even manufacturers and developers would be encouraged to improve them. There’s nothing better than watch a nice widget without having to open an app.
Bonus track: Death to the app drawer and hello to a dynamic island
A peculiarity of Android is its application drawer: having a list of all the applications installed on our mobile is very practical, but for me it’s useless. With the search function, I find any app I want to open faster, so I rarely find myself in that endless app drawer.
We thought the button that opened the drawer was dead, but it’s back. If I had the choice, I’d suggest removing the app drawer entirely like I consider that currently it is not necessary. Rather, a home screen organized into folders with all the apps I love, which is why I’ve been using MIUI for years. Again, I could use a launcher, but I like the default one on my phone.
If there’s one feature of the new iPhone that surprised us all, it’s the Dynamic Island. Google could borrow this feature and use the space occupied by the front cameras on the screen to display notifications, among other things. If some developers brought this feature as an app, it could be part of the system and work natively.
These were my wishes for Android 14, this is a personal list, so we will disagree on many of the things I mentioned. As dreaming is free and asking is free, I did it. I look forward to the future of Androidwe will soon see what this brings us.
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