We not only set good goals for ourselves, but also for our phones. 2023 will mark the release of Android 14, and as we continue to learn more about Google’s upcoming operating system, we also have our own wish-list of features we hope to see in 2023 Android smartphones. Some of these features are already rumoured, while others would be welcome if they become a reality.
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Features that we will hopefully get on Android smartphones in 2023
Advanced system backup
The backup system on Android has come a long way, but it still falls short of what Apple’s system has to offer. There is no specific software for this, but we can make backup copies using Google Drive and other programs such as Google Photos.
In order for the new phone to be ready as soon as it is switched on, Android needs a full backup mechanism that smoothly syncs user accounts, wallpapers, apps and other data. It will come eventually, and I hope that every Android phone, regardless of make or model, will be compatible with it.
Better camera quality on social media apps
It is a reality that the quality of photos and videos uploaded to social media from an Android phone is not as good as that of an iPhone. Seeing the quality of content posted from iPhone makes me jealous of iOS. I want my cats’ images to be uploaded without sacrificing quality, just like the competitors’.
With initiatives like CameraX failing, it’s time for Google to work closely with developers to address this issue that is affecting upload quality. One of the key aspects of iOS that Android lacks is this. This is a common request, and while it’s not really an Android issue, it could use some tweaking.
Similar to iOS, we need improved camera performance in third party applications like Instagram and Snapchat. In order to improve the user experience, Google should work with smartphone companies and developers in this direction.
System-integrated desktop mode
The Mountain View company has been developing a desktop mode or PC mode for Android for some time. But it was never officially released. Found again in the first Google Pixel Android 13 upgrade, this is a pretty useful feature.
The current capabilities of modern phones allow us to use almost any app as if it were a full-fledged computer, so getting to your desk and docking your phone before using it would be a significant productivity boost.
A new revolutionary user interface on Android smartphones
Credit to Google’s Material You design language for the improved Android aesthetic. It offers a comprehensive and eye-catching design for the entire mobile operating system, although it still needs improvement.
For example, Google had to update the themed icons because they occasionally confuse us. Material You’ve undoubtedly had an impact on the Notifications and Quick Settings section. But the design and functions of this sector appear very similar. In order to offer a more distinctive touch and avoid using permanent black, the design evolves in such a way that we have the choice to choose the background color that we want to use in the quick settings (regardless of whether you use a dark theme or not ).
Add widgets to the lock screen
When we first saw how iOS 16 works, all we could think about was the all-new, fully customizable lock screen. We really enjoyed the ability to add widgets with more information about the options offered.
The worst thing is that since Android KitKat, this feature that allows you to swap out the clock or add new widgets is part of Android. In any case, Android has always emphasized customization which, if done properly, would improve user experience.
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Dynamic Island
In addition to trends, there are also aesthetic currents in the smartphone industry that make more sense than others. Apple has decided to replace its recognizable notch by incorporating a feature called “dynamic island”. While Android manufacturers continue to bet on positioning the selfie camera as hidden from the screen as possible.
The dynamic island’s ability to zoom in and out to show helpful data and background activity. Like timers or replays, makes it so mesmerizing. The possibilities are endless when Google rolls it out on Android and leads to this customization with the help of third-party applications.
Faster system updates
You may not notice this shift right away. But you will see it once your phone is around for a while. From now on, root certificates on Android will only be updated if you update the entire operating system. Of course, there is always a chance that you are not updating or that there are no system updates for your phone.
The result is that if you use an outdated phone to conduct an internet search, you may find that the various websites all display security warnings preventing you from navigating. When the root certificate expires in 2021, this almost happened on smartphones running Android 7 or older.
Android Police claim that this could change with Android 14. As Google is developing a new module that can update root certificates instantly. This new certification module allows us to update through Google Play Services. Allowing Google to provide updates when they become necessary so that we can communicate with each other. Rather than just being part of a system package. This allows you to use the Internet as usual without any problems.
satellite connections
The importance of establishing communication in emergency situations in the midst of a 5G expansion scenario is increasingly coming into focus. This is taking longer than expected and is of questionable benefit to the general population.
Although we’ve already seen it in the iPhone 14 for US and Canada only, and in Huawei for Canada. This satellite connectivity will continue to increase in 2023. Including other operating systems and manufacturers. In fact, it is said to be compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s senior vice president, revealed that with some Android phones, it would be more than just a wish. We do not know how it will be put into practice. Or whether it only applies to emergency calls, SMS or slow data connections.
It would be preferable if it was implemented as a standard feature that comes with the operating system.
Improve gesture navigation on Android smartphones
If you use gestures to navigate, you’ve probably experienced the pain of accidentally returning to your Android home screen after swiping back and forth on certain apps.
To prevent unexpected closures, Google intends to implement a preview of what we’ll do when we swipe back. As we saw at Android Dev Summit ’22.
A tiny but necessary change is needed to make gesture navigation smooth and intuitive, both in the system and in apps. To visually and functionally support developers in this effort, Google has a lot to say and do.
Custom privacy settings for apps
Apps need to get user consent to track them since iOS 14 to create personalized ad models. Giving users the choice in practice. Introducing this option to Android would be a fantastic new addition, but given Google’s economic strategy, that seems dubious. For now, we’ll have to settle for a privacy sandbox that sits in the middle. And will please both users and advertisers.
