While we are still waiting for the Android 7.0 Nougat update to hit most devices, Google is prepping for the Android O launch. The launch for Android O will most likely happen at I/O this year and we can also expect to witness a developer preview then. There aren’t any details on the subject, but 9to5Google has come up with some rumors.
According to the Google-centric tech portal, we might see changes to notifications, icon tweaks, picture-in-picture, and more. Just like all rumors, we might have everything or nothing when the actual release happens.
Notification changes
There are a ton of rumors doing rounds over the internet about a change in notification system of Android OS. But, what that be, isn’t known. All that 9to5Google got from its sources that things will be a little different. Most speculations suggest about synced notifications and smarter ordering, which was part of the Andromeda leaks last year.
Icon Tweaks
Icons may get dynamic features at the OS level, just like the calendar icon on Pixel launcher. Also, there might be iOS-style notification badges. Yes, the functionality is present in third-party launchers, but with this feature, it will be baked straight into the OS.
Picture-in-Picture Mode
The Picture-in-picture mode is already available on the Android TV, and if recent reports turn out to be true, we might see the functionality debut in Android O operating system. This will allow users to have a floating video on all devices without any separate tools.
9to5Google also reported about some sort of “smart text selection floating toolbar” coming to Android O. But there is no clarity what that is, might be something related to Assitant. Automatic text copying is cited as a feature.
Lastly, there are rumors about MediaRecorder API getting better with Android O. For those who don’t know, the API is used for capturing audio and video on an Android device. It won’t be a surprise to see a couple of features make their way to the official release, but 9to5Google was quick to remind that they weren’t able to confirm these rumors with other sources.