An interview with Google’s Sameer Samat covered the promising outlook for Android and its plans for the future.
What you need to know:
– TechRadar spoke with Google’s president of the Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, regarding the Android ecosystem.
– According to Samat, Google sees the future anchored in Android, mentioning recent developments like Material 3 Expressive and its commitment to improving cross-platform data transfers as key to that vision.
– Samat also emphasized Google’s strategy to integrate ChromeOS with Android, facilitating easier content management between laptops and smartphones.
– Google has recently introduced the Android Canary Release Channel for developers, providing the necessary tools to innovate in the realm of foldables and wearables.
Our colleagues at TechRadar engaged with Google’s president of Android Ecosystem, Sameer Samat, to explore the company’s vision for Android’s trajectory. A pressing topic for many is the main Android OS: Android 16. While Google has expedited the rollout of Android 16, entering the “Trunk Stable” phase for accelerated development cycles, Samat asserts that the software’s aim is to help users “align the aesthetics of what’s on your home screen with the overall experience of your phone.”
Android 16 represents a significant enhancement; however, Samat mentions that the objective was to develop an OS that feels “modern and enjoyable” without interfering with established user habits.
Samat expresses confidence in his efforts with Android at Google, stating, “I believe you experience the future first on Android,” yet acknowledges there is still work ahead. In particular, Samat is focused on closing the gap between iOS and Android for users wishing to transition. He remarks, “…this should be straightforward. It’s 2025.” Currently, challenges exist when changing platforms alongside inherent risks.
Samat is keen on leveraging more contemporary “industry standards to transfer data between the two, which is fundamentally what we’re advocating for and striving to achieve.”
Google is embracing significant design reforms in Android 16 (and likely future versions) in statements emphasizing the vision of seeing the “future first” in the software. Android 16 introduces Material 3 Expressive, which notably alters animations, colors, and various aspects.
Gemini takes the spotlight
Advancing Android’s prospects are intentions to amalgamate “ChromeOS and Android into one unified platform.” Samat hinted at a keen interest in understanding how users (notably those on iOS) utilize their smartphones alongside their laptops.
Discussions between TechRadar and Samat distilled into another important Android topic: Gemini. According to Samat, “…Gemini integrated in a phone significantly enhances the user experience.” The AI plays a pivotal role in Google’s roadmap for Android, and its functionality will likely continue to develop and advance. In the interview, Samat showcased Gemini’s capability to summarize a YouTube video, complete with timestamps for validation.
The publication described it as a “compelling demonstration,” partly owing to Apple’s absence of similar features with its Intelligence/Siri software.
Samat lauds Google’s AI yet again, underscoring its user-friendliness. He states, “Gemini is the top assistant on the market. Press the side key on any flagship Android device, and it will summon Gemini, directly relevant to your current context. Those two features are developed by Google.”
TechRadar and Sameer Samat carried on their conversation, exploring the concept of “excessive AI” and what empowers Android XR. You can review the rest of that conversation with TechRadar for deeper insights.
The wheels are in motion
Android 16 made a rapid debut following Android 15’s late 2024 launch. While it introduced several significant design modifications, Google also integrated numerous new functionalities for users. Among these, you can find Live Updates, providing real-time information about navigation and even food deliveries. Android 16 has also refined notifications, simplifying the display of alerts from the same app to avoid overwhelming (or cluttering) the user’s device.
Additionally, the OS included Advanced Protection software, enhancing user safeguards against insecure websites and “the most advanced attacks.”
Google has also been collaborating with other OEMs like Samsung and OnePlus to enrich their features for Android 16, aiming for a more cohesive operating system. The journey of Android continues as the company has recently rolled out the Android Canary Release Channel for developers. Google is attracting developers by promoting the availability of tools necessary to shape the future of foldables and wearables. We’ve just observed the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7, alongside discussions regarding adaptive applications for such expansive displays.
Developers can preview the in-development Android API and features to provide feedback and contribute to a better future.
