Now that Android 13 is available, we're considering the next best thing.
While it's unclear why Google is resurrecting a long-discontinued feature, this isn't the first time Apple has resurrected an Android feature that had been dormant for a while. The same thing happened when iOS first introduced widget support, with Google suddenly interested in reintroducing the concept. Google is updating the way widgets work on Android 12 and introducing completely rebuilt widgets from its own apps, following in Apple's footsteps.
However, it is extremely disappointing that Google came so close to developing such a system. The Glance widget provides information on upcoming programs, connected devices, weather alerts, and more, and allows you to scroll horizontally through multiple entries when there are multiple. In fact, Google appears to be working on its own version of stacked widgets for Android 12, so there is reason to believe that Android 14 will be a viable option.
Combines Wi-Fi and mobile data capabilities into a single switch
Google decided it was time to clean up the quick settings toggle in Android 12. During this process, the company combined Wi-Fi and cellular data options into a single "Internet" switch. Not only is the toggle itself difficult to use, but it also makes even simple tasks like quickly disconnecting and reconnecting to your problematic Wi-Fi network difficult. Unfortunately, many of us still have to do this on a daily basis because internet connections fluctuate from time to time. Depending on how bad your mobile connection is while inside, it's also a good idea to turn off the mobile radio completely to save some of that precious battery life, which the Internet switch also does. This is more difficult, or at least less effective to do.
Ideally, Android 14 will only allow third-party launchers to connect to the system more when they are set as the default option, although Google may be wary due to security concerns. There are also technical challenges that are difficult to overcome here, as different Android manufacturers use different animations and methods to achieve them, so certain launchers may have to be customized only for certain phones.
Despite the fact that the final release of Android 13 is approaching, Google developers never sleep. It's safe to assume that a roadmap and plans for the next major release, Android 14, are already in place. While we now know what Android 13 will and will not support, we can already make a wish list of features that did not make the cut. Android's most recent version. However, here are seven features we'd like to see in Android 14.
Reintroduce lock screen widgets
Apple unveiled its new iPhone lock screen earlier this year at WWDC, and it should look familiar if you've used an Android phone in the past. The Cupertino company added the ability to add widgets to the lock screen, along with numerous personalization options. We'll focus on the former because, at one point or another, Android-supported lock screen widgets. Up until version 4.4 (KitKat), you could add a widget of your choice to the lock screen. Swipe right to change the clock on the screen's surface or add a widget to the panel itself. The system is always visually appealing, with not a lot of useful software. However, Samsung stuck with this functionality and continues to offer a lock screen widget on the Android One skin UI.While it's unclear why Google is resurrecting a long-discontinued feature, this isn't the first time Apple has resurrected an Android feature that had been dormant for a while. The same thing happened when iOS first introduced widget support, with Google suddenly interested in reintroducing the concept. Google is updating the way widgets work on Android 12 and introducing completely rebuilt widgets from its own apps, following in Apple's footsteps.
Give us a stacked widget
Speaking of widgets, Google may have reawakened interest in the concept thanks to Apple, and may have made some much-needed improvements to the basic procedure, but there's more to come. Apple pioneered the idea of stacked widgets, which allow you to add multiple widgets to the same area on your home screen. You simply swipe on them to gain access to all of them.We wish Google had done the same for Android, but things are a little more complicated on the platform. Apple widgets are either not scrollable or not very interactive, so ordering scroll gestures for a system feature like this is far more practical.However, it is extremely disappointing that Google came so close to developing such a system. The Glance widget provides information on upcoming programs, connected devices, weather alerts, and more, and allows you to scroll horizontally through multiple entries when there are multiple. In fact, Google appears to be working on its own version of stacked widgets for Android 12, so there is reason to believe that Android 14 will be a viable option.
Combines Wi-Fi and mobile data capabilities into a single switch
Google decided it was time to clean up the quick settings toggle in Android 12. During this process, the company combined Wi-Fi and cellular data options into a single "Internet" switch. Not only is the toggle itself difficult to use, but it also makes even simple tasks like quickly disconnecting and reconnecting to your problematic Wi-Fi network difficult. Unfortunately, many of us still have to do this on a daily basis because internet connections fluctuate from time to time. Depending on how bad your mobile connection is while inside, it's also a good idea to turn off the mobile radio completely to save some of that precious battery life, which the Internet switch also does. This is more difficult, or at least less effective to do.
Provides a smooth transition between launcher home screens
Since Google added gesture navigation to Android 10, third-party launchers have languished. This is due to the default pre-installed launcher's deeper integration with the system to provide seamless transitions between the home screen, recent overview, and apps. Third-party launchers do not have the same privileges as pre-installed ones, leaving you with two choices: stick with the one that came with your phone, which may lack some of the features you desire, or suffer through some inconsistent animations in exchange.Ideally, Android 14 will only allow third-party launchers to connect to the system more when they are set as the default option, although Google may be wary due to security concerns. There are also technical challenges that are difficult to overcome here, as different Android manufacturers use different animations and methods to achieve them, so certain launchers may have to be customized only for certain phones.
Assist developers in creating more beautiful gesture navigation in software another point about gesture navigation, we'd like to discuss something that's a little more fundamental. Apple's iPhones and iPads are relatively good at making gesture navigation feel natural and like it's firmly embedded in the system and software, but gesture navigation on Android still clashes with a lot of software, particularly the way the navigation bar displays. The content behind the navigation bar is frequently not drawn in Android apps, leaving a large block around the actual navigation bar. On iOS, this isn't a huge issue because almost all apps draw content to the area behind the navigation bar, which creates a much more immersive experience.
While iOS developers are limited to a few screen sizes and processors, Google may be able to provide more support for this so-called edge-to-edge navigation. In an interview, Android app developer Pavlo Rekun explained that in the worst-case scenario, Android software developers must customize every view in their software to make the navigation bar transparent. It's understandable that many of the major studios that use a large number of individual pages and views in their software don't have time to bother with minor cosmetic decisions like these, especially since not all Android users use gesture navigation. However, Android could use a little more consistency and attention to detail. Google is obligated to compel or assist developers in using this.
While we like this type of feature on Android, Google has stated that it is very unlikely that it will add something as powerful as Apple's. The company is currently working on the Privacy Sandbox, which promises to give users and advertisers the best of both worlds. Instead of tracking themselves, the system should allow personalized ads that make use of the new system features.
Because Google is primarily an advertising company, a drastic, Apple-style solution would be counterproductive. Even if Google introduced advanced options like this, competitors may be quick to admit that Google is gaining an unfair advantage on its platform, raising a slew of legal issues. It's permanent, one can dream, and we want privacy controls centered on this platform.
Because Google has yet to release the final version of Android 13, it's safe to assume that we'll have to wait about a year before we see our first glimpse of Android 14. If you're concerned that your current phone won't be compatible with Android 13 or 14, check out our list of the best Android phones. Almost all of our top picks will be upgraded to Android 14. If you're looking for a beautiful phone on a tight budget, check out our top budget phones; the Google Pixel 5a, as well as almost all Samsung Galaxy A series phones, should receive the update.
While iOS developers are limited to a few screen sizes and processors, Google may be able to provide more support for this so-called edge-to-edge navigation. In an interview, Android app developer Pavlo Rekun explained that in the worst-case scenario, Android software developers must customize every view in their software to make the navigation bar transparent. It's understandable that many of the major studios that use a large number of individual pages and views in their software don't have time to bother with minor cosmetic decisions like these, especially since not all Android users use gesture navigation. However, Android could use a little more consistency and attention to detail. Google is obligated to compel or assist developers in using this.
Bring back specific icon shapes and fonts to Pixel
On Pixel phones, Android 11 officially adds the ability to change icon shapes, fonts, and some colors in the notification shade and settings. According to your wallpaper, this was removed after Android 12 launched with the Material You theme. It makes sense to remove some of the options here because they would conflict with using these wallpaper-based themes, but Google went above and beyond to remove all customization options, especially icon shapes and fonts when they existed. With Material You maturing and becoming more flexible and adaptable (Android 13 added more color extraction combos to choose from), it was only natural for Google to reintroduce some of the customization options it removed in preparation for Material You. After all, it's unclear how the misaligned icon shapes and fonts will clash with the colorful theme of Material You.Enter perfect privacy controls for apps
Apple added privacy controls to iOS 14.5, requiring software to obtain user permission before tracking it in other software to generate more precise advertising models. Naturally, most people tend to deny such requests when they are explicitly asked, and as a result, many advertising companies lose access to data on which they could previously rely.While we like this type of feature on Android, Google has stated that it is very unlikely that it will add something as powerful as Apple's. The company is currently working on the Privacy Sandbox, which promises to give users and advertisers the best of both worlds. Instead of tracking themselves, the system should allow personalized ads that make use of the new system features.
Because Google is primarily an advertising company, a drastic, Apple-style solution would be counterproductive. Even if Google introduced advanced options like this, competitors may be quick to admit that Google is gaining an unfair advantage on its platform, raising a slew of legal issues. It's permanent, one can dream, and we want privacy controls centered on this platform.
Because Google has yet to release the final version of Android 13, it's safe to assume that we'll have to wait about a year before we see our first glimpse of Android 14. If you're concerned that your current phone won't be compatible with Android 13 or 14, check out our list of the best Android phones. Almost all of our top picks will be upgraded to Android 14. If you're looking for a beautiful phone on a tight budget, check out our top budget phones; the Google Pixel 5a, as well as almost all Samsung Galaxy A series phones, should receive the update.