While still in the first developer preview version, Android P is very likely getting more enhancements — and as obvious some of the features already documented might look different in the next preview.
Google is toeing the line of Apple's iPhone X feature, the notch, with little cutout at the top of phones screens that take up about the whole screen. And that's perhaps the biggest changes in the software at the moment, and some manufacturers are already building notch compliant devices.
Since the new OS is optimized for notches which cuts into the top display area, Google has changed the position of notifications right next to the time. And about four different app icons will be displayed; which Android P shows a simple dot to let users know more items are waiting on sliding down the notification tray.
Also, the layout of items is a bit altered, and the grayscale icons of Oreo replaced by colorful circles.
Additionally, it presents the option to use Smart Replies, Google's AI-powered responses to texts that are already available in Gmail and its chat app Allo. And you'll find images in notifications which is helpful to quickly show who's on chat.
The new software focuses more on improving security as it restrict access to your phone's microphone and camera while apps are running in the background, which could help thwart the effort of hackers.
Albeit, Android P remains unfinished and the preview only serve to to give software developers a template to work on before the actual release.
As Google's tradition of naming its new mobile software flavors alphabetically and after something edible, it's expected Android P will also get a delicious moniker. The company will definitely unveil more features at its annual developer conference, Google I/O, in May and perhaps the new name choice, too.
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