Google is all set to host its I/O event on May 14, 10:30 PM (IST), at which the tech giant will unveil its Android 15 with many new features and probably some AI magic. While the company has not revealed many details about the upcoming update, here is our wishlist of five features we want to see in the next big Android update. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Android 15 Wishlist: Lock Screen Widgets
Widgets have always been Android’s forte. There are a host of native options already available, along with thousands of third-party apps. Lately, however, it seems like the search giant is not emphasising these small, customisable information hubs. It is 2024, and Android still doesn’t have native lock screen widget options.
In comparison, rival Apple arrived quite late to the widgets party. However, the Cupertino-based tech giant made the most of the feature by allowing users to add widgets to the lock screen, which is not natively possible on Android. This is a shame because Google introduced the lock screen widgets in 2012 with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Later, it was removed with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update.
If you want a lock screen widget on your Android smartphone, you have to take shelter from apps like “Lockscreen Widgets and Drawer”. It would be great if Google made this feature available with the forthcoming Android 15 update.
Android 15 Wishlist: Gemini in Gboard
We all know that AI is the buzzword of the year, and all the smartphone companies, including Google, have started implementing AI-based voice assistants in their devices. This is an excellent choice as the ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot-backed AI assistants are way more advanced than the regular ones that we used to get earlier. But we want to have that same experience while typing on any smartphone. While we know that assistant typing already exists and is even backed by AI, why do it yourself when AI is there? We’re hoping Gemini will soon power the typing experience on Gboard with Android 15.
Android 15 Wishlist: Native Icon Packs
Android has always been a paradise for someone who loves customisation. It already supports many customisation options, especially compared to iOS. However, we believe the only thing missing on Android is some native icon pack options. If a tinkerer has to change the look of their icons, they have to rely on third-party apps. And it works great, but you will always find that the fit and finish are not as great as they should be. So, if Google introduces some native icon options with the upcoming update, it will provide a wholesome customisation experience.
Android 15 Wishlist: Partial Screen Recording
Google introduced a native screen recording option with the launch of Android 11 in 2020. However, we have not seen many updates to the feature since then. It would be great if Google introduced a partial screen recording option with the Android 15 update.
Sure, cropping down the video once it’s recorded is quite easy on Android, but we believe it would be much easier to do it before hitting that record button. Imagine if we could record only a certain portion of the screen in the first place, just like we can take a partial screenshot on Android devices.
Android 15 Wishlist: Better Bluetooth Quick Settings
These days, we all have multiple devices that we connect with our Android smartphones daily. However, many users keep Bluetooth permanently enabled for seamless connectivity with frequently used accessories. Managing connections can become cumbersome when surrounded by multiple Bluetooth devices. Here’s where a revamped Bluetooth Quick Settings tile could shine.
Imagine toggling Bluetooth on or off as usual but with an additional control layer. This tile could expand to reveal individual connections for all paired devices. With a simple tap, you could connect or disconnect to specific headphones, your smartwatch, or a nearby Bluetooth speaker, eliminating the need to delve into deeper settings menus.
