TL;DR
- Google is reportedly engaged on a number of taskbar-related enhancements for Android.
- Some of the outstanding additions is a search bar within the taskbar.
- Inventory Android may additionally achieve just a few taskbar capabilities seen in different Android skins.
Google launched Android 12L over a yr in the past, focusing on tablets and foldable telephones. One of many predominant additions was a taskbar, enabling improved multitasking and a extra PC-like expertise.
Now, Android professional Mishaal Rahman has revealed through his Patreon account that a few large adjustments are coming to the taskbar.
For starters, Rahman confirmed {that a} search bar is coming to the taskbar. Nonetheless, it doesn’t appear to be the search bar will truly reside within the taskbar itself like Home windows however quite within the taskbar’s app drawer (see the featured picture above).
That is solely meant for regionally put in apps although, so you’ll be able to’t seek for recordsdata and conduct an internet search through this selection.
Inventory Android catching as much as OEMs
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Rahman additionally revealed that work is underway so as to add latest apps to the taskbar. For what it’s price, Fold-style gadgets from the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi, and vivo already present latest apps within the taskbar. However we’re guessing that is an official Google/AOSP implementation that may deliver the options to all producers. In saying so, code references counsel that latest apps would solely be proven when in desktop mode.
The Android professional additionally notes that Google is working to allow you to swap between a everlasting and transient taskbar. He provides that you would be able to faucet and maintain on the everlasting taskbar to make it transient or faucet and maintain on the realm the place the taskbar can be to make it everlasting.
Once more, we’ve already seen foldable telephones from some manufacturers permitting you to decide on between a everlasting and transient taskbar. However a Google implementation would theoretically deliver this performance to all OEMs with none further work. This is able to subsequently nonetheless be a win for the Android ecosystem at giant.
Both method, Rahman means that we would solely see these options go stay as quickly because the Android 14 QPR1 launch, which might be the December 2023 characteristic drop. So don’t maintain your breath for these additions when steady Android 14 rolls round.
