Development for Google's next version of Android, obviously dubbed O, following its alphabetical release versions, is reportedly well underway.
Part of the developments are new assistive features such as smart autocomplete and finger gestures, according to a report by VentureBeat, who notes that Google is expected to unveil the next version of Android at its I/O developer conference this May. The unveiling will be followed by multiple developer previews, with an official release by fall.
The report adds, however, that the features Google is reportedly working on might or might not debut in Android O, according to a source privy to the matter.
Some of the updates could parallel Apple's recent efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into iOS apps, although Google has done much of the same on Android.
Copy Less
First, there's a feature called Copy Less, which could truncate the time it takes to copy chunks of texts from one app to another. For instance, say a user is engaging in a conversation with a friend or a colleague about where to get dinner. Suppose that person finds a favorable restaurant using Yelp. In normal circumstances, a user would need to copy the whole address and send it to the other end. With Copy Less, the user would simply need to type "It's at" and an automatic suggestion containing the said restaurant's address pops up, ready to be tapped and added to the text field.
It remains unclear whether this smart autocomplete feature will be added as an update to Google's Gboard app or integrate with Android O exclusively. What's sure is this feature builds on the company's longtime efforts to automate actions within apps on Android. Google in October 2016 added the ability to share contacts via Gboard. Also, Now on Tap, introduced with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, let users mine onscreen information for context, also a product of Google's automation inroads.
The report further states that Google has found a way to do more with plain text on messages. For example, texts containing address lines may prompt Google to open Maps when tapped, lessening the burden of having to search for it manually.
Finger Gestures
Finger gestures will also apparently be a thing on the next version of Android. As an example, in the future, users need only to draw a "C" on the screen to access the most recent list of contacts. This action can presently be triggered by saying "OK Google," although a finger gesture could prove much faster.
Android O
These triggers, the report states, could get delayed or might not ever see the light of day, according to a source. More will be revealed as Google I/O developer conference draws nearer. None of these claims have been confirmed by Google. As usual, take everything with a grain of salt. If true, however, the smart assistive features tie in perfectly with Google's ascent into automation tricks.
Convinced about the alleged new features for the next version of Android? What do you think should Google include in Android O? More importantly, what confectionery should it be named after? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
