I have been utilizing Android since model 1.x and I can let you know that Google’s cellular working system has come a good distance from its humble (and often stumbling) beginnings. Android stays probably the most versatile cellular OS available on the market. It is also extra secure and safe than it is ever been.
However a better have a look at evaluating Android to iOS reveals how Google’s platform might use a little bit of consideration (if it ever desires to catch as much as Apple’s cellular choice).
Additionally: Android 15 unveiled: Here are 8 exciting (or handy) features coming to your phone
You may be considering, “However Android 15 is ready to be launched quickly. Will not that deal with a few of this?” I’ve tested betas of the upcoming launch and located solely one in every of my points has been (kind of) addressed. (Extra on that in a bit.) With that in thoughts, the next (principally) targets releases past Android 15.
With out additional ado, listed here are 5 ways in which Google can rework Android into a fair worthier iOS rival.
1. Chrome OS integration
This can be a large one: I am shocked that Google has carried out so little to enhance the mixing between Android and Chrome OS. Though each of those are Google working methods, you’d suppose they have been made by two totally different corporations. Certain, integration is best than it was once, however a lot extra might be carried out.
Think about one thing like this:
You place your Android telephone close to your Chromebook and Chrome OS mechanically mounts the Android exterior storage, enabling you to tug and drop information between the 2 from inside the file browser. Or this: All notifications seem mechanically on each units (with out having to configure it).
Contacts? Synced. Apps? Synced. Widgets? Synced. Browser tabs? Synced. Maps/instructions? You guessed it. You must have the ability to begin a video chat with somebody on Chrome OS after which ship it to your telephone so you’ll be able to stroll away out of your desk and never miss a beat.
Additionally: 5 useful features iOS should steal from Android
Primarily, I am asking for the power to maneuver seamlessly between the 2 units with out having to make the change manually or configure something. It ought to be that straightforward and Google might make it so.
2. Higher WearOS integration
Because it stands, I’ve to make use of two totally different apps on my telephone to view information from my watch. Having to modify between the Pixel Watch app and the Fitbit app is cumbersome (at greatest). This ought to be built-in into the OS such that the information seems within the notification display screen or a widget. I should not have to go looking inside two separate apps for this.
Additionally: The best smartwatches: Expert tested and reviewed
Android/WearOS integration is clunky and at present, there isn’t any approach round that. Google must make it attainable to view information seamlessly not solely on Android however on Chrome OS too. Do not make customers should work for one thing that ought to be easy.
3. Smoother graphics and higher animations
I’ve mentioned this for years: Android wants assistance on the graphics entrance. It is not that the telephones are underpowered; it is the graphics stack on the OS that is missing. Animations lack smoothness and the graphics are, effectively, pretty pedestrian. If Google has any plans to meet up with Apple, it should make investments some severe time into the graphics and animations.
I am not saying this side of Android is unhealthy but it surely definitely lags behind iOS. I need to see higher blur and, for the love of aesthetics, one thing aside from a primary white or black background for the Notification Shade and App Drawer. Why not give us one thing thrilling?
Additionally: Latest Android 15 beta brings important security features to protect you and your data
I’ll say, nonetheless, that the Android 15 betas present an OS able to smoother animations. Pull down the Notification Shade on each Android 14 and 15 and you may see that 15 is significantly smoother.
4. Higher advertising and marketing in main markets
The final time Google had a good advert marketing campaign they used a song by Too Many Zooz and it was fairly efficient. The one draw back is that it wasn’t in all places. However, you see adverts for iPhones in all places. On prime of that, these adverts profit from top-of-the-line advertising and marketing departments on the planet… Apple’s. Though Android might need a stranglehold on the worldwide market share, it’s going to by no means prime iOS within the US or Japan till Google at the very least makes an attempt to create a midway respectable advertising and marketing marketing campaign. Make Android horny once more, Google.
It is not too late for Google to begin selling Android 15 however that is an space that the corporate has been sorely missing through the years. When Android adverts do arrive, it is usually too late. Google ought to do itself a stable and begin selling the upcoming launch now.
5. Extra elegant {hardware}
Alongside the identical vein because the advertising and marketing marketing campaign, Google wants to return to the drafting board with Pixel hardware. These are speculated to be flagship telephones and so they typically seem like design was an afterthought. Critically, Google, what are you considering with these terrible Pixel telephone designs? Give us one thing premium-looking, particularly given the handsets’ premium costs. There are discount basement telephones that look higher than the Pixel designs. Till this adjustments, the Pixel telephone will proceed to dwell within the shadow of the iPhone.
Additionally: The best Google Pixel phones: Expert tested and reviewed
Given Google’s sources, it should not be onerous for it to carry Android in such a approach that it could compete with iOS. I hope you are listening, Google, as a result of I am positive many Android followers would agree with me.