Google has been taking the Android standards to new highs with each of its versions and the expectations from its upcoming version, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, are sky high. The software giant is expected to release the new version of its mobile OS next week at its I/O developer conference.
However, recent rumors indicate that we might possibly see the arrival of 4.3 Jelly Bean instead of Android 5.0 at the Google I/O event because its hardware partners are apparently struggling to keep pace with the various Android releases. However, whatever be the next update, here are a few OS advancements Android fans would hope to receive with Key Lime Pie.
Unified Messaging:
As CNET's Scott Webster notes, a passive notification system, in the likes of the recently released Facebook Home's Chat Heads, which can sit atop other apps with user-defined preferences would be an ideal addition to the Android experience. It should come as an additional option without removing the current notification bar. It should be the perfect way to introduce a unified messaging client across all Google services. Google's upcoming unified communication service, operating under the code names of Babble and Babel, is rumored to be a collaboration of Google's various communication services such as Google+, Gmail, Google Chat and more. Android enthusiasts hope that this unified communication service would be integrated into the new release of Android.
Expanded Google Now Functionality:
Many expect Google Now, one of Android's finest features, to become the entire home screen for Android. According to Hugo Barra, director of Android product management, Google is planning to introduce hundreds of potential cards on Google Now that would remind users about many of their daily tasks. "When it comes to the Google Now app itself, having control over the cards is a necessary addition for Google to make. If there is a specific location, game or calendar entry you want to appear, of if there's a card you want permanently attached at all times, you should have the freedom to do that. It would lessen the roulette feeling you currently get from Google Now," CNN's Adrian Covert writes.
Google Music Subscriptions:
Google Play Music now allows users to upload their own music to Google's servers with streaming from Android devices and Web browsers. However, the recent rumors suggest that Google would soon come with a Spotify-like music service which will definitely reach Android. With such a streaming service, Android users will be able to access unlimited music through Google Play and/or YouTube for a monthly fee. Google Play Music app should ideally remain the same while the subscription service enhances the user experience.
Google Play News:
According to a recent Android Police report, the Google Play store will shortly introduce Google Play News where news will be provided in "Issues" and "Subscriptions." "Play News" will be a new, "colored" Play Store section to go along with Apps, Music, Books, Magazines, Movies, and Devices" the report said. With this service, users may be able to purchase single editions and/or subscribe to newspapers from around the country. This would be a valuable addition to Android 5.0.
Google Gaming Center:
Google's recent recruitment of Noah Falstein as chief game designer has raised many questions about the company's gaming ambitions. What further instigated the rumor was that his title was initially listed as "Chief Game Designer at Android Play Studio" prompting the tech world to speculate that Google has a major gaming project in circulation. "Google could publish its own games, as we saw with Ingress, a location-based game that hails from Google's Niantic Labs. Going much broader, Google could also create a sturdier gaming hub that could connect friends and other players and provide leader boards and achievements. Google+ seems to be the most logical way to tie users together; I also see potential for Google Now connections," Webster notes.
(Courtesy: CNET)
