It’s January 2017. Know what that means (in tech circles anyway)? It’s *only* four short months until Google likely previews the next major version of Android. But what will Android 8, also likely to be known as Android O, feature?
No one knows for sure until Google previews it–and there’s been scant rumors on anything the next Android might contain. Still, that doesn’t stop us from speculating, which is why we’ve put together a list of the top Android 8/Android O features we hope Google will include.
Android O: Improved Google Assistant Integration
Google Assistant was one of the headline features of Google’s flagship Pixel phone line, launching as an exclusive on the devices. But then Google bought Google Assistant to Android Auto and its Google Home device. However, other non-Google Android devices have yet to see the benefits of Google Assistant. Google has stated that Google Assistant will be rolling out to other Android handsets in the future, so here's hoping it's a built-in feature of Android 8.
Android O: A Theme Engine
Android has long bested iOS in the ability to customize your smartphone’s interface via themes. It’s been one of the best features of Android by a long shot. Themes allow you to change everything from the shape of default app icons to an Android OS’s user interface colors and more. It would be great if Android 8 included a theme engine both developers and users could take advantage of to quickly customize their interface without the need to download individual themes. A dedicated and much improved theme browser and chooser would be nice as well.
Android O: Better Hardware Management
If there’s one thing where Apple has always beaten Android on is how well its iPhone hardware is integrated and optimized to take advantage of the iOS software. Because of this hardware/software cohesion, an iPhone can get away with using a lot less RAM (2GB instead of 4GB, for example) while still outperforming Android smartphones with 2-3x as much RAM. Let’s hope Google includes tools and optimizations in Android 8 that allow hardware manufacturers to better take advantage of software optimizations.
Android O: Improved Security
Another area iOS has beaten Android in in the past is security. Part of the reason for this is because Apple’s iPhone and iOS maintain a relatively closed ecosystem–Apple needs to approve every app and apps can only be loaded via the App Store. While Google’s app ecosystem has been much more open, that’s left it vulnerable to hacks and malware. It would be great if Android 8 included improved boot and root security and also improves how critical system files are monitored
Android O: Connected Cars Support
Android Auto is nice, but what we really want to see in Android 8 is a much improved and more integrated connected cars support. Hopefully it will include APIs that allow you to directly control, for example, the autonomous driving features of a Tesla. Regardless of brands supported, better connected car support is always welcome.
Android O: A Dedicated Play Store for Android Wear
This is a small request, but an important one for those who own Android Wear devices: give us a dedicated Play Store for Android Wear that not only shows us all the awesome apps made by developers for the devices, but also allows you to download that apps directly to your Android Wear devices.
Android O: Advanced Support For VR
With headsets from HTC, Sony, Samsung and Oculus Rift, 2016 was a MASSIVE year for VR. Things are only expected to get better for the tech in 2017. And while Google Daydream already allows people to use select smartphones and VR devices, we’re hoping Android 8 isn’t only VR compatible on a basic level, but that it will also support advanced VR and AR capabilities.
