Google's Android operating system needs no introduction. Every six months, Google updates the operating system to meet latest standards, for utmost performance. Google, in a move to surprise everyone, launched the Android P developer preview a week earlier. The developer preview build gives users and developers first look. This is done to give them a first look at the design changes, improvements, and features that Google could introduce with Android P. Since, its an early developer build, so none of the features are final. Although Google can add or delete new features, its pretty much final. However, if you are looking to update, it is only available on Pixel devices as of now.
Also Read: How to install Android P developer preview in your Pixel/Pixel 2 devices
From the first developer preview builds, we can expect some visual changes to the UI. This can include changes to the quick settings, notifications, settings menu among others. Also, it is expected to bring new screenshot management tools and media controls. The biggest and most noticeable change, however, is the inclusion of the notch support. This means Google is embracing the Notch, and the Notch is here to stay. Here is a more detailed look at the new features.
Android P Embraces the Notch
Android P will bring native support for the Notch. This means Google will bring design overhauls to provide support for the Notch natively, without any extra third manufacturer code. The developer preview adds settings to emulate notches like narrow display cutout, tall display cutout, and wide display cutout. this accordingly updates the UI with a notch on the top of the display of the same sort. This will help the developers modify their apps to support Notches on the new Android Phones. The shape of the Notch can be adjusted from iPhone X styled to Essential Phone styled.
One of the most noticeable changes in the UI to support the Notch is moving the clock to the right on the status bar. Notifications will appear next to the notch and the clock on the right and the rest f the icons, such as wifi, and the battery will remain on the left. This will keep the status bar balanced in all situations with the Notch at the centre.
So like it or not, the Notch is here to stay. However, if the manufacturer decides to not include a notch, like the latest Samsung Galaxy S9 series, no one will complain.
Changes to quick settings and settings menu
Several small and big visual changes have been made to quick settings. It now shows rounded icons, which turn blue when enabled. The icons in the settings menu are now coloured, just like on the iOS. Although this makes the UI a little more visually appealing it also makes it look a lot mix match of colours.
Updated Notifications
Notifications will also be changed. They will now show the full set of unread messages, instead of few messages. Apart from that, stickers and images will also be shown completely in the notification bar.
ScreenShot directly from Power button menu
Long pressing the power button will now bring the option to take a screenshot along with the power off and reboot. This will enable easy screenshotting of web pages and messages when and where required.
Volume Slider Relocated
Google has also relocated to the volume slider. It has now found its home on the right of the display. Also, now the media volume is the new default volume control. Also, there is a Calls/Ring button below the slider. However, the best addition is it will let the user switch between ring, vibrate and silent easily.
Summary
Apart from these major overhauls, there are also many small changes. Here is a bullet point list for reference
- New UI for settings/quick settings
- Updated notification style for messages
- New transition/notification expansion animations
- Updated Pixel Launcher with voice search icon and more prominent dock
- Battery saver no longer shows orange warning
- Always on display shows battery info and centres notifications
- New Easter Egg
- About phone screen now shows additional info in a popup window
- Built-in screenshot editor
- Screenshot button in power menu
- Text selection zoom (like iOS)
- Battery saver can now be scheduled.
- Do Not Disturb has been simplified down to a single mod
- Volume buttons now control media volume by default
- Adaptive Brightness is now much more useful as it actually changes the base brightness level
- Hotspot can be turned off automatically if no devices are connected
- Rotation can be locked to landscape mode
- Multi-Bluetooth HFP/A2DP support
- Individual Wi-Fi networks can now be set to metered/unmetered
- Private DNS (DNS-over-TLS)
- Vibration controls in Accessibility Settings
- Accessibility option to disable all animations
- SysTrace tool is now built-in
- Recently posted notifications are now shown in notification settings
