On Monday, August 1, leaked images of the latest Nexus phones’ home screen appeared around the internet, revealing significant changes in Google’s flagship mobile devices.
The unofficial images show a significant deviation from previous home screens on Android devices, as the new design parts ways with the signature Google search bar and app drawer button on the center of the dock.
In their place, the developers have shifted for a gesture-based interface that displays the apps with a swift motion upwards from the dock and a “G” button on the upper left corner of the screen.
The new Nexus might bring an image rework on the series
Based on the revamped design images posted online, the rounded button will roll out the iconic search bar from left to right for a hands-on search available at all times without fixing the bar itself atop the screen.
Moreover, a new sleek date widget showing the day, month and year will be set next to the “G” button in the leaked home screen’s upper right corner.
Additionally, the replacement of the app drawer button now allows for five apps to occupy the home screen dock instead of four. Once displayed, the refreshed applications drawer will feature a bright white background in contrast to the current solid-colored one.
The online community has further speculated that the recently included “G” button will also support the new Google Assistant, a smart feature announced back in May during the I/O Developers Conference 2016.
The leaked pictures are similar to what the developers showed in the preview
Earlier versions of the Android Developer Preview showed a design for folder icons similar to the ones in the unofficial screenshots. Furthermore, the Google App is readily available for users who swipe right from the home screen.
It is currently unconfirmed if the images are indeed legitimate captures from Google’s latest generation of handsets, but the changes show promise from the San Francisco-based tech company to further strengthen the Nexus brand.
Furthermore, reports suggest that only the new smartphones released by Google will get the fresh-looking home screen and features as part of an exclusive launcher for Nexus devices. If the claims are true, it is still unclear whether the new launcher will be a separate platform different from Google Now or just a makeover.
Since the leaks hit the web yesterday, August 1, a downloadable version of the “Nexus Launcher” has been posted online, and it is available for download on the various cloud storage service websites.
Reports from users who have downloaded the APK further confirm the initial leaked images, but Google has said nothing about it.
Android Nougat introduces Google Assistant to challenge IOS’ Siri
Regardless of the latest leaks showing the design overhaul, and whether they will be available exclusively for Nexus phones or not, the latest Android version will soon see a global release among compatible devices, and it will bring several exciting changes with it.
At this year’s I/O Developers Conference, Google executives revealed the latest developments in mobile apps and in-progress technologies the San Francisco tech giant is developing. Google Assistant, Allo, Duo, and Daydream are among the Nougat-supported apps announced at the event held at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California.
Google Assistant is a tool similar to the assistant included in the Google Now Launcher, but the virtual personal helper is more intelligent than its launcher-integrated brother. The app is reportedly able to hold a conversation and answer questions, as well as scheduling and display results on other apps.
While “Assistant” would be a counterpart to Siri in iOS devices, Allo would be a competing chat service that would rival the likes of Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.
Allo and Google Assistant will be integrated, allowing for many versatile smart features like enhanced customized replies to break further into the messaging platform market. Moreover, Duo comes as a rivaling video-calling app from Google, expected to challenge FaceTime on iOS and the long-standing service from Microsoft, Skype.
Nougat gears up for VR apps
Regarding Android Nougat itself, the mobile operating system will feature an all-new split-screen app display support and VR mode, while keeping and enhancing the “Doze” mode introduced back in the latest version of Google’s software, Marshmallow 6.0.
The platform reportedly also comes with a new set of preloaded wallpapers, including live wallpapers from Google itself.
After Alphabet’s stellar closing of its second 2016 financial quarter, Google’s parent company has yet to announce manufacturer details of their latest Nexus phones, codenamed “Marlin” and “Sailfish.”
According to unofficial renders, the new handsets will also see a significant change in hardware design. With Android Nougat 7.0 reportedly rolling out later this month, the public still awaits for official date confirmation on both Google’s latest mobile OS version and signature devices.
Source: Digital Trends