Buzz
While both iOS and Android stand as prominent operating systems in the current landscape, there are distinctions in features between the two. Drawing inspiration from each other to develop new features for their respective OS is a common occurrence. For instance, Apple introduced widget support for the main screen on iOS 14, a feature that has long been present on Android since its initial release. Similarly, the new screenshot preview interface on Android 11 closely resembles that of iOS.
Both software ecosystems can learn from each other, incorporating unique features to make functionalities stand out. As Apple concludes its online WWDC 2020 event, here are 8 features in iOS 14 that Google should consider adopting for its upcoming Android release.
8 Features in iOS 14 for Google to Reference in Android
1. Smart Widget Stacks
Apple may have taken its time introducing widget support on the iPhone home screen, but in certain aspects, their implementation surpasses what Google has done on Android. The Widget Stacks on iOS 14 essentially allow users to stack widgets on top of each other. Widget Stacks can contain multiple widgets in the same space, enabling users to have a variety of widgets on their home screen. Widgets stacked on iOS 14 will automatically rotate based on location and time of day, displaying the most relevant and fitting widgets. Users can also manually swipe to cycle through them.
Widgets on Android are more powerful compared to what Apple brought to iOS 14, as they have higher interactivity. However, if Google adds the ability to stack widgets, they would become even more fantastic.
2. Advanced Search - Empowering Information Retrieval
Technically, Universal Search is a feature of iPadOS 14 and not entirely new, but its usefulness merits mention. With Universal Search on iPadOS 14, you can search contacts, apps, app data, music library, web, and more. Google's app on Android used to have this search-all functionality before Google removed it for some reason. With this feature, Google could streamline the search process with a simple gesture, as it operates on iPhone and iPad with a swipe-down gesture on the home screen.
3. Transform Your Smartphone into a Virtual Key
Imagine using your Android smartphone as your car key. With iOS 14, Apple essentially made this possible by collaborating with BMW. Starting next year, you can approach your BMW with an iPhone in your pocket, unlock the car, place the device on the wireless charging pad on the dashboard, and start the car without a physical key. You can even share the 'virtual car key' via Messages with friends or family for them to borrow your car.
The Car Key feature will be available on select BMW models manufactured on or after July 1, 2020.
Google will need closer collaboration with some car manufacturers for this, but it would be fantastic if the next Android version could turn your smartphone into a digital key.
4. Customize Picture-in-Picture Window Size
Picture-in-Picture has been a long-standing feature on Android before Apple introduced it in iOS 14. However, Apple's implementation stands out as they allow users to freely adjust the PiP window size. Users can also move the PiP window to any position on the iPhone screen. In comparison, Android lacks the option to resize or reposition the PiP window.
5. Voice Messaging Capability
In iOS 14, Siri can be used to send voice messages in the Messages app as well as in some third-party apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. While seemingly a small feature, it can have a significant impact on many users, allowing them to send messages without Siri eavesdropping through voice recognition.
Google Assistant can recognize speech better than Siri, but it lacks the ability to send voice messages to any contact. Since Google can update Assistant without a complete OS update, this feature is likely to appear on Android devices sooner or later.
6. Chrome Emphasizes Privacy
Apple consistently prioritizes privacy in its services and products. The company introduced a new Privacy Report feature in Safari on iOS 14, allowing users to easily view trackers blocked by the browser across multiple websites. Considering the widespread tracking on many popular websites in the advertising industry, this is a significant step by Apple, highlighting their commitment to user privacy. This feature is also available in Safari on macOS Big Sur.
As Google generates a significant portion of its revenue through advertising, users can only hope that the company considers adding a similar feature to Chrome for Android.
7. Mention and Inline Reply
Messaging is an arena where Android significantly lags behind iOS. Despite numerous messaging apps and services from Google, Android still lacks a true iMessage alternative. In iOS 14, Apple enhanced iMessage further by introducing @mention and inline replies. Though arriving later than iMessage, the Messages/RCS app is still missing these features, which are present in most third-party messaging apps.
8. Approximate Location Access
Google introduced privacy-focused features in Android 11, but in many ways, the company still struggles to catch up with iOS. In iOS 14, Apple once again raised the bar by allowing users to provide approximate location instead of their exact location when prompted by an app. Users in iOS 14 can also grant apps access to selected photos in the media library or contacts instead of providing them access to all their data.
Google has made significant security improvements in Android with its latest two OS releases. Therefore, there is hope that the company will follow Apple in adding similar features to the next version of the OS.
In fact, there are several other features in iOS 14, such as App Clips and Compact Call UI, that Google should learn from to enhance or incorporate into the next Android version. However, the features mentioned above are the ones that feel most impactful and useful for users.
If you're a frequent mobile web surfer, here's some good news for you. Soon, Chrome 64-bit for Android is getting an update with improved performance, promising enhanced, superior browsing experiences.
