Android N is expected to be announced at Google I/O in May and released some point later in 2016, but leaked screenshots of Android N’s revamped notification shade have surfaced online.
According to the leaked images, the first change coming to the notification shade includes the addition of quick settings, making it easier to do things like turn Wi-Fi on, enable Airplane mode and more, Techno Buffalo reported. In Android Marshmallow, the quick settings panel can only be accessed by swiping down the notification shade and then swiping down a second time.
Users will still find the quick settings panel by swiping down twice from the notification shade but there will be quick settings already accessible from the first swipe in Android N. In the quick settings, the UI tuner will be on by default, suggesting Google is finally ready to bring the feature to the masses. Meanwhile, the quick settings menu will apparently feature pagination, allowing users to put less frequently used settings out of sight.
Overall the theme appears to be greater simplification of the UI elements, as well as making some icons or components larger and clearer to read, while some are smaller to be more discreet. The notifications panels feature a new, brighter colour and design that spans the full width of the display and has no gaps. The new notifications also have a more detailed description to inform the user about which app created the notification.
This is all based on an early version of Android N, so it is still possible that Google will change the way things work in the final build. The leaked screenshots also suggest that there is an app drawer icon in the mock-up, indicating that it has not been removed from Android N yet.
In addition, Google will also release the advanced version of Google Cardboard during the Google I/O expo, according to Know Your Mobile. It is the company’s first attempt in producing cheaper VR headset.
The search engine giant is apparently working on VR product similar to Samsung’s Gear VR headset. The device would be made of plastic apparently and support all types of Android phones, unlike Samsung’s. It will also feature better sensors and lenses, and the connected phone will deliver most of its processing power.