Android P, Google’s newest version of their Android operating system — set to be released towards the end of 2018 — is stirring up quite a bit of excitement among tech aficionados and Android users. App developers are getting a closer look at the new OS in order to tailor their forthcoming apps to take advantage of the newest features. As such, some public information has been released regarding some of Android P’s bevy of promising new features.
For instance, the new Android version will allow users to receive precise, step-by-step directions for finding their way around indoor locations. What Google Maps did for outdoor navigation, Android P is poised to do for navigating unfamiliar or confusingly large complexes and buildings.
Today’s assortment of phones, even the most high-powered, may not be able to take advantage of this new indoor map feature. It is also possible that this functionality will be limited to only Google’s Pixel branded phones, at least for a time.
According to The Verge, this new feature is said to be made possible thanks in part to a new technology called WiFi Round-Trip-Time and the 802.11mc wireless frequency. Android P will be able to pinpoint a user’s location by estimating the distance from the WiFi source signal from their device.
Additionally, Google is poised to completely revamp the style and experience of receiving and sending notifications. While the on-screen real estate taken up by some notifications may prove less than ideal in cases, the good news is that Android P promises to overhaul and improve the entire notification experience. For instance, attached pictures and stickers will be embeded within the notification as opposed to necessitating further action — currently prompted by the much-maligned “person has sent an attachment” text.
While the range of options available to app makers regarding quick reply functions may be limited, Android P users will no doubt have a far more robust messaging functionality when the OS is set to be released later this year.
Also of note is the slew of new security and privacy features set to be rolled out. Google revealed that applications will now be shut completely out of any type of input from microphones and cameras while a user’s device is in idle mode.
